Get ready for a game-changer in the world of sports, art, and entertainment! Ari Emanuel, a name synonymous with innovation, has just unveiled his bold new venture: MARI. But here's where it gets intriguing... MARI isn't just another holding company; it's a powerhouse that brings together some of the most prestigious tennis tournaments, the renowned Frieze arts organization, and the iconic Barrett-Jackson automotive brand.
Imagine the Miami Open, the Mutua Madrid Open, and the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open all under one roof! That's not all; Emanuel's vision extends to Frieze, an arts platform he acquired earlier this year, and a significant stake in Barrett-Jackson, the automotive auction house that's more than just a car lover's dream.
The deals were sealed on Wednesday, marking the official launch of MARI. And it's not just about the big names; Emanuel's trusted partners, Mark Shapiro and Matt Cohn, are on board as principal investors and key players in this exciting endeavor.
But wait, there's more! The investor list reads like a who's who of private equity and venture capital, featuring heavyweights like Apollo, RedBird Capital Partners, and even NBA stars Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards. It's a diverse group, to say the least, and their collective expertise will undoubtedly shape the future of MARI.
Emanuel, a true visionary, sees MARI as a platform to elevate live events and experiences. In his own words, "Live events and experiences have never been more powerful." He believes that in a world where experiences matter more than possessions, sports, art, and entertainment will thrive. And with MARI, he aims to create new avenues for audiences to connect and share their passions.
The timing of MARI's launch is no coincidence. It follows Endeavor's privatization earlier this year, a $25 billion deal that reshaped the talent agency landscape. Most of Endeavor's assets are now part of WME Group, while IMG, On Location, and PBR have found a new home with TKO Group Holdings. And it's no surprise that Emanuel, the executive chairman of WME Group, has played a pivotal role in acquiring many of these assets, including the tennis tournaments and Frieze.
Apollo Sports Capital, a key partner in this venture, sees immense potential in MARI. Rob Givone, a partner at Apollo, believes that MARI is well-positioned to unlock value across its existing assets and explore new opportunities in live events and experiences.
Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird Capital, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the strong growth prospects in sports and live event entertainment. With MARI, they aim to capitalize on the convergence of premium intellectual property across these industries.
So, what does this all mean for the future of sports, art, and entertainment? Well, that's for you to decide. Do you think MARI will revolutionize the way we experience live events? Or is this just another business move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
One thing's for sure: Ari Emanuel and his team are about to make some serious waves. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning!
