Apollo Launches New $17 Billion-Backed Apollo Sports Capital
Global alternative asset manager Apollo (NYSE:APO) formally announced the formation of Apollo Sports Capital, or ASC, a new investment platform designed to provide credit and hybrid capital solutions across the rapidly expanding global sports and live events ecosystem.
The launch solidifies Apollo’s commitment to the sector, building on the approximately $17 billion already deployed by Apollo’s managed funds in the broader sports and entertainment space to date.
Apollo has appointed a seasoned executive team to lead the new permanent capital holding company: Al Tylis as chief executive officer; Rob Givone and Lee Solomon as co-portfolio managers; and Sam Porter as chief strategy officer.
Apollo emphasized ASC’s strategic positioning and long-term opportunities. Unlike typical equity-only strategies, its investment mandate will focus predominantly on credit and hybrid opportunities, spanning a broad range of assets, including professional franchises and leagues, venues and stadium financing; and media rights and events.
Zito continued, “We’ve known Al for many years. He brings a rare combination of investment and operational success in both sports and real estate. Together with the expertise of Rob, Lee and the broader team, we believe ASC will be well positioned as a capital solutions leader in the industry.”
Prior to joining ASC, Tylis led numerous sports investments, including as owner and chairman of Club Necaxa, Club Deportivo La Equidad, and the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. He also serves on the boards of G2 Esports, United Pickleball Association and Canvas Property Group, and is the co-founder of the Tylis Family Foundation. Tylis is a former real estate executive, having most recently served as president and CEO of NorthStar Asset Management.
Givone joined Apollo in 2015 and has been partner, head of portfolio strategies and co-chief credit officer.
Solomon has been a partner at Apollo for 16 years. He also serves on numerous boards, including Legendary Entertainment, Yahoo, and Cox Media Group.
Prior to onboarding to ASC, Porter was a senior adviser with Apollo from 2022 to 2025. He is co-chairman of Club Deportivo La Equidad, co-managing partner of D.C. Pickleball Team, and co-managing partner of Club Necaxa.
Tylis highlighted the distinct advantage ASC will bring to the market, which is increasingly seeking flexible, non-equity financing.
“Having owned or invested in many teams and leagues over the years, I know firsthand how valuable Apollo Sports Capital will be to the market. We bring patient capital, extensive networks, and a range of solutions that go beyond the typical equity-only strategies. Lee, Rob, Sam and the Apollo team have extensive experience investing across this ecosystem, and together we’ve set out to build something differentiated and enduring in the world of sports,” said Tylis.
Previously reported by AltsWire, Apollo is not new to the sector. It has provided loans to European football clubs like Sporting Lisbon and Nottingham Forest. The firm has also held discussions with Atlético Madrid, Spain’s third-largest football club, to help finance a large stadium redevelopment project.
This effort by Apollo is part of a broader trend among major asset managers to tap into the high-growth, high-return potential of sports. Previously reported by AltsWire in July of this year, Ares Management Corp. launching a media and entertainment fund targeting retail investors and making debt and equity investments in sports leagues, teams and sports-related businesses, as well as media and entertainment companies.
The ASC platform leverages Apollo’s decades of investment expertise across its fully integrated global platform, which as of June 30, 2025, manages approximately $840 billion of assets under management.
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