FIFA is considering selling a significant minority stake in a brand-new commercial entity that could be valued at approximately $20 billion, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday.
The organization that oversees global soccer is collaborating with bankers at JPMorgan to bring in outside investors who could acquire as much as a 20% stake in the new entity. According to the source, former Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei has been playing a role as a commercial adviser in building out this FIFA enterprise.
FIFA did not provide a response when contacted for comment.
The source indicated that Thrive Eternal — a newly launched investment strategy from venture capital firm Thrive Capital — is expected to serve as a lead investor in the entity. Thrive Eternal is structured as a permanent capital vehicle designed to make a limited number of long-term investments in franchises and cultural institutions.
Earlier this year, Thrive Eternal acquired a minority stake in Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants. The investment vehicle was founded by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Former Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger is listed as an adviser to the vehicle.
The Financial Times was the first outlet to report on the potential stake sale.
