Partnership Led by Jennifer Tepper Mackesy and Todd Boehly Enter Exclusive Negotiations to Finalize Acquisition of NWSL's Washington Spirit
Boehly, Eldridge Chairman and an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks, teams up with Mackesy, former collegiate soccer player and philanthropist, who will serve as the team's Governor should the deal be finalized
Jennifer Tepper Mackesy, a former elite soccer player at The College of William & Mary, retail executive, and philanthropist, and Todd Boehly, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Eldridge, and an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Sparks, have formed a proposed ownership group and entered into exclusive negotiations to purchase a controlling interest in the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The group of new investors includes Jonathan Goldstein, Cain International CEO, and Kendrick Ashton and Craig Dixon, graduates of The College of William & Mary, and Co-founders, and Co-CEOs of The St. James, a Washington, DC-based sports, wellness, and entertainment platform. Together, they expect to enter a strategic relationship with The St. James that will focus on performance training and nutrition for the players, youth soccer programming, and brand partnerships. Mackesy will serve as the club's Governor for all league matters should the deal close and receive approval from the NWSL Board of Governors.
As a former player, Mackesy brings perspective and a demonstrated history of working to advance athletes at all levels. She currently sits on the boards of U.S. Squash, where she is the institutional advancement co-chair, and the William & Mary Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she chairs the Athletics sub-committee. In 2016, Mackesy and her husband committed resources to endow the head coaching positions of both the women's soccer and men's tennis teams to enhance the experience for current and future student-athletes. Mackesy's own passion for soccer began at The College of William & Mary when she was a member of the Women's Varsity Soccer Team, a top-ranked NCAA Division I program.
Boehly, also a graduate of The College of William & Mary, has a wide range of experience across the finance, technology, real estate, sports, and media landscapes. He is Chairman of Security Benefit, and MRC, which owns dick clark productions, and has investments in A24, Fulwell 73, and Penske Media, which owns Billboard, Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. Boehly is also on the boards of the Los Angeles Lakers, Vivid Seats (NASDAQ:SEAT), Cain International, Kennedy Wilson (NYSE:KW), PayActiv, Truebill, CAIS, and Horizon Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE:HZON).
"Owning a sports team is a community trust and we look forward to working together to support the players, continue the on the field momentum from their championship run, and ensure our club is a positive force in the community as we work toward a final agreement," said Mackesy and Boehly. "We are dedicated to building a strong and sustainable future for the club and recognize the importance of consistent engagement and support for the players, staff and fans on and off the field."
About Eldridge
Eldridge invests in businesses across the Insurance, Asset Management, Technology, Mobility, Sports & Gaming, Media & Music, Real Estate and Consumer landscapes. The firm seeks to build and grow businesses led by proven management teams that have demonstrated leadership and experience to scale an enterprise. Eldridge is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with additional offices in Beverly Hills, New York and London. To learn more about Eldridge, please visit www.eldridge.com.
About Cain International
Cain International is a privately held real estate investment firm operating in Europe and the United States. Since 2014, the company has invested over $7 billion into real estate debt and equity. Cain International also invests in lifestyle & leisure businesses that deliver experiences, services and amenities for modern consumers. Cain International is a partnership between its CEO, Jonathan Goldstein and Eldridge. Cain International Advisers Limited, the firm's asset management and investment advisory division, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Further information is available at www.cainint.com.
About The St. James
The St. James is the premier sports, wellness and entertainment destination brand in the country. Our mission is to maximize human potential by designing, developing and operating sports, wellness, entertainment and hospitality programs, services and experiences that engage, inspire and empower people to pursue their passions and be their best at play, at work and in life. The St. James aims to serve as the center of the universe in every community where it is located by delivering the most comprehensive combination of best-in-class sports and wellness venues, developmental and elite coaching, training and competition, five-star lifestyle experiences and family centered active fun all in an environment that engages, inspires and delights everyone that comes through our doors. For more information, please visit thestjames.com.
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