In this NYSE Live interview, Ryan Nece, Managing Partner at Next Legacy Partners and Super Bowl champion, discusses emerging trends in sports investing, professional franchise ownership, and the evolving role of athletes in private markets.

Kristen Scholer spoke with Nece about minority ownership transactions, institutional investment in sports, athlete entrepreneurship, and the factors driving demand for professional sports assets.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on recent NFL ownership transactions and what they reveal about the changing landscape of sports investing. Nece explains how minority ownership opportunities are creating new pathways for investors to participate in professional sports franchises.

The interview also explores the growing influence of private equity and institutional capital. As franchise values continue to rise, investment firms are increasingly seeking exposure to sports assets as part of diversified investment strategies.

Another major theme is the resilience of live sports. Nece highlights how sports continue to attract large audiences, create valuable media opportunities, and generate strong engagement for fans, sponsors, and investors alike.

The conversation further examines how franchise owners can benefit from liquidity opportunities without relinquishing operational control, helping unlock value while maintaining long-term ownership positions.

The interview also addresses the distinction between minority investments and controlling ownership. League structures and governance requirements continue to play an important role in preserving control among established ownership groups.

Another key topic is the growing appeal of sports as an alternative asset class. Investors are increasingly attracted to opportunities associated with media rights growth, sponsorship revenues, fan engagement, and franchise appreciation.
The discussion also highlights the evolution of athlete investing. Professional athletes are increasingly participating as investors, advisors, entrepreneurs, and strategic partners in businesses across numerous sectors.

Additionally, Nece explains how athletes can create value beyond investment dollars by leveraging their personal brands, networks, audience reach, and industry expertise to support business growth.

The conversation further explores how previous generations of athlete-investors helped build a foundation for today's players to pursue ownership opportunities and long-term wealth creation strategies beyond competition.

Looking ahead, Nece expects continued innovation in sports ownership structures, expanding investor participation, and increasing athlete involvement across private markets and alternative investments.

Throughout the discussion, Nece shares perspectives on sports business, NFL franchise ownership, private equity, athlete entrepreneurship, investment strategy, alternative assets, media rights, wealth creation, venture investing, and the future of sports ownership.

Disclaimer: Informational content only. NYSE does not endorse or recommend investments, strategies, companies, products, or services discussed.