MLB Changed Its Team Ownership Rules, and the $12B Yankees Took Advantage
The reported sale of a stake in the Yankees to Apollo Global Capital came after MLB relaxed rules for private equity ownership.
Major League Baseball recently altered its team ownership regulations, enabling private equity firms to acquire a higher percentage of franchises. This shift, brought about by MLB's alignment with the NBA's 20 percent ownership limit, was initially undisclosed until a private equity firm sought to purchase more than the previous 15 percent threshold.
The Wall Street Journal reported in August that Apollo Global Capital would invest $2.6 billion for a minority share in Yankee Global Enterprises, with the Yankees now valued at over $12 billion, the most expensive baseball franchise ever. The Steinbrenner family retains over 60% ownership, alongside stakes in Legends Hospitality, YES Network, and NYCFC and AC Milan.
The transaction's significance lies in the potential for other private equity firms to exploit the new rules, although the extent of this interest remains to be determined. Apollo's stake in the Yankees will increase to 16%, with Apollo paying $800 million upfront for 8% of YGE, plus an additional $800 million over four years. Additionally, Apollo will provide a $1 billion loan to the Yankees.
According to CNBC's Mike Ozanian, these terms will likely result in the Yankees' valuation surpassing the $12 billion mark.
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