Eagle Football, owner of Olympique Lyon, Crystal Palace and Botafogo, is rearming to go public in 2025
SportsIn
November 22, 2024

Eagle Football Holdings, the group that owns clubs such as Olympique Lyon, Crystal Palace, FC Florida, Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek and represents around thirty footballers, is moving towards its long-awaited IPO. The company, chaired by John Textor, announced on Friday 22 November the start of a key financing round in line with its plans for a stock market debut in the first quarter of 2025.

In this first step, Eagle Football was able to secure an initial investment of $40 million from UCEA Capital Partners, a firm known for its investments in sectors such as sports, health and sustainability.

100 MILLION ROUND

The goal of this financing round is to raise a total of $100 million, according to the group’s official statement. The funds will allow Eagle Football to consolidate its financial structure and pave the way for its upcoming IPO, a strategic move that promises to boost its influence in the sports market.

John Textor, chairman of the group, underlined the importance of this step: “This funding brings us one step closer to our ambitions for a public listing. He also welcomed the addition of UCEA Capital Partners as a key partner for this phase of the project.”

OLYMPIQUE DE LYON’S SITUATION

The entry of UCEA Capital Partners reinforces Eagle Football’s strategic vision as it seeks to diversify its operations beyond traditional football. This alliance underlines the group’s intention to position itself as a benchmark in emerging sectors, combining sport, sustainability and technology.

Olympique Lyon, Crystal Palace and Botafogo, three of the most emblematic clubs in Eagle Football’s portfolio, could benefit from this financial boost, enabling new investments in infrastructure, talent and global expansion strategies. Particularly noteworthy is the current case of Olympique Lyon, a club recently sanctioned with a ban on signings in the upcoming winter transfer window and which will be relegated to the second tier if its financial situation does not improve.

GOING PUBLIC IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2025

With this move, Eagle Football confirms its ambition to debut on the financial markets in the first months of 2025. This strategy not only aims to strengthen its position in global football, but also to attract new investors interested in the growing economic potential of the sport.

The deal marks a turning point for John Textor and his vision to unify different disciplines under one innovative business model. The success of this financing round will be key to the future of the group and to redefining its role in the global sports industry.

Latest News