Former Spanish NBA player Pau Gasol announced a €55 million investment in Liga F with Gasol16 Ventures group at the Liga F Assembly on June 29th, but a quarter of the clubs decided not to accept according to 2Playbook.
In an official statement, Real Madrid claimed that affiliated clubs will receive €40 million collectively, and in exchange, they will forfeit a percentage of revenues – up to 49% - for 25 years.
It said: “Real Madrid believes that this agreement does not align with the growth model of women's football, which is based on sustainability, transparency, and the full autonomy of the clubs.”
Real Madrid also questioned how the agreement will impact clubs who are promoted to Liga F, who will be bound by the model without being involved in the decision-making or benefitting from initial investment.
What the €55 Million Investment Means for Liga F
Liga F said that the funds will be disbursed over four seasons and aim to develop the league’s commercial and operational structure and create long-term sustainable growth.
League F will also receive €12 million, with another €3 million allocated to the acquiring of certain image rights of some players.
Pau Gasol, who has also invested in NWSL club Bay FC, said: “Women's football in Spain has made a spectacular leap in recent years: audiences have almost doubled in two seasons, and stadiums are increasingly full. Therefore, this is not a sentimental commitment to women's sport. It is an investment decision based on data, market trends, and the conviction that women's football represents a growth opportunity with enormous potential for value creation.”
Why the Deal Is Being Compared to LaLiga's CVC Agreement
The deal is a similar model to the “Boost LaLiga” project in 2021, which saw La Liga and its clubs receive funding from private equity firm CVC.
However, ESPN reported that CVC invested $2.17bn in exchange for an 8.2% share of the league's income from broadcasting and sponsorship rights for the next 50 years – a much larger investment for a much smaller percentage of revenue.
Real Madrid also opposed this deal and filed a lawsuit against La Liga over the partnership with CVC, which they lost.
What Happens Next for Liga F
Spanish sports business outlet 2Playbook reports that the investment means Liga F has ended its deal with DAZN early and its media rights from next season are currently on the market.
Spanish stars including Alexia Putellas and Ona Batlle have moved to England this transfer window.
Beatriz Alvafrez, president of Liga F, said: “It was time to take another step, and for that, an economic injection was needed. The moment to invest was now.”
