Hogan Lovells Guides Strategic Sports Group on PGA TOUR Enterprises Deal
Deal News | May 23, 2025 | Hogan Lovells
The deal orchestrated by Strategic Sports Group, with support from Fenway Sports Group, to create PGA TOUR Enterprises has been lauded at the 2025 Sports Business Awards as 'Deal of the Year.' Hogan Lovells played a pivotal role in advising SSG, with Matthew Eisler leading the project alongside partners Russell Hedman and Mark Weinstein. The creation of PGA TOUR Enterprises marks a significant turning point in professional golf by consolidating leading sports investors to drive the PGA TOUR's long-term growth and innovation. Emerging from a competitive pool that included major sports leagues like the NBA, the NHL, and the WWE, this deal highlights the robust nature of Hogan Lovells’ worldwide sports M&A practice.
Sectors
- Sports and Entertainment
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- United States – The PGA TOUR is based in the United States, and the deal focuses on the future of professional golf, which is heavily concentrated in the U.S.
Industry
- Sports and Entertainment – This sector is relevant as it involves the formation of PGA TOUR Enterprises, which is a new commercial venture within the sports industry.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article centers on a significant M&A transaction led by Strategic Sports Group and supported by Fenway Sports Group.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Sports Group | Initiator | Company | Led the creation of PGA TOUR Enterprises. |
| Fenway Sports Group | Investor | Company | Anchored the investment in PGA TOUR Enterprises. |
| PGA TOUR Enterprises | Target Company | Company | The newly created commercial venture under the PGA TOUR's control. |
| Hogan Lovells | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Strategic Sports Group for the deal. |
| Matthew Eisler | Lead Partner | Person | Partner and Global Head of the Hogan Lovells Sports practice, led the legal advisory team. |
| Russell Hedman | Partner | Person | Partner at Hogan Lovells involved in the deal. |
| Mark Weinstein | Partner | Person | Partner at Hogan Lovells involved in the deal. |