Abu Dhabi has strengthened its position as a global sports investment hub through two major deals announced in May 2025. These moves underscore the emirate’s growing ambitions in the multi-billion-dollar global sports industry.
Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based alternative asset manager overseeing over USD 110 billion, has become the anchor investor in TPG Sports, a newly launched investment platform. The initiative is a joint venture between private equity firm TPG and golfing champion Rory McIlroy, alongside his business partner Sean O’Flaherty through Symphony Ventures. TPG Sports aims to capitalise on opportunities emerging from the evolving global sports ecosystem.
According to Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Managing Partner at Lunate, the sports industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by digital innovation, changing fan behaviours, and new engagement models. Lunate’s investment aligns with its strategy to generate long-term returns by supporting these changes.
In a separate but equally significant development, Mubadala Capital—part of Mubadala Investment Company—has agreed to lead a USD 10 billion syndicated investment in TWG Global. This US-based sports and entertainment holding firm owns interests in iconic franchises such as the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and Chelsea Football Club.
The dual investments reflect Abu Dhabi’s growing appetite for high-impact global assets in sports and entertainment, positioning the UAE capital as a key player in the international sports economy. These developments come as regional competition intensifies, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both of which are aggressively expanding their sports portfolios.
By securing strategic stakes in internationally recognised platforms, Abu Dhabi continues to reshape its economic diversification narrative, leveraging the universal appeal and profitability of sports.
