TCG

TCG is excited to announce a new investment in Classic Football Company Ltd., the global hub to buy authentic football (soccer) shirts (jerseys). Through these iconic shirts, the company has connected millions of people around the world – including fans, fashion enthusiasts and influencers – to the sport’s history and culture. With rare vintage styles, the classics and current season shirts that span thousands of clubs, countries and players – and a private collection of over 6,700 unique or match-worn shirts, Classic Football Shirts (CFS) is the category leader.    This is CFS’ first outside investment, and the new capital will immediately support aggressive global expansion plans beginning with North America, its fastest growing market that currently represents just 15% of the business. The investment taps into the rapidly growing football scene in the U.S. Fandom has increased by 60% over the past decade and is expected to continue with increasing pop culture interest (thanks to Kim K., Ted Lasso and Rob McElhenney / Wrexham), and major events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics headed to North America in the next few years.   Coinciding with today’s announcement is the opening of CFS’ latest retail experience in New York City that compliments popular UK stores in London and Manchester and paves the way for more physical retail locations coming later this year. We look forward to our partnership with founders Doug Bierton, Matthew Dale, and Gary Bierton who have built an incredible business rooted in a true passion for the sport.    We additionally want to welcome Cormac Barry as CFS Executive Chairman, whose extensive experience will be invaluable in guiding future growth.    TCG and Greg Bettinelli are thrilled to work alongside all of them to bring their shared love of football culture to millions more around the world. https://lnkd.in/giibuBrP

TCG is excited to announce a strategic investment in Unrivaled Sports, a new platform created by David Blitzer and Josh Harris to provide unparalleled sports experiences and opportunities that inspire, educate, and uplift youth.   Andrew Campion, former Chief Operating Officer of Nike, Inc. and long-time Disney executive, has been named Unrivaled’s Chairman of the Board.   Unrivaled Sports’ baseball division, led by its CEO Wade Martin, consists of Ripken Baseball®, Cooperstown All Star Village, Sports Force Parks™, Baseball Factory™, and Softball Factory™. Unrivaled Sports’ action sports division, led by its CEO Kevin English, includes WE ARE CAMP, LLC, an action sports brand that Harris and Blitzer acquired in partnership with three-time Olympic Gold medalist Shaun White. Earlier this year, Unrivaled Sports made a strategic investment in the Foreverlawn Sports Complex at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, representing the first investment as part of a broader strategy for developing youth football programming.   “With Unrivaled Sports, we find an extraordinary creator of unparalleled youth sports experiences and lasting memories for athletes and their families,” said Greg Bettinelli, Partner at TCG. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with our philosophy of supporting businesses to redefine the consumer experience.” Read more about Unrivaled Sports and TCG’s investment here: https://lnkd.in/guXBZ6jS