Ryan Reynolds, the Hollywood star known for his roles in popular films such as Deadpool and The Proposal, is expanding his business interests in the sports world. His investment firm, Maximum Effort Investments, along with actors Rob McElhenney and Michael B. Jordan, has teamed up with private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners and Otro Capital to acquire a 24 percent stake in the Alpine Formula 1 Race Team. The partnership will pay Renault Group, the current team owner, approximately 200 million euros ($218 million) for the stake, valuing the team at around $900 million.
This acquisition is expected to accelerate Alpine Racing’s growth plans and increase its visibility in the competitive Formula 1 industry. Formula 1 has gained significant popularity in the United States in recent years, thanks in part to the success of Netflix’s docuseries Drive to Survive, which provides an in-depth look into the world of Formula 1 racing. By investing in the Alpine Formula 1 Race Team, Reynolds and his partners are capitalizing on the growing interest in the sport and positioning themselves for potential future success.
Ryan Reynolds has previously ventured into sports ownership with his acquisition of Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC in November 2020. Alongside Rob McElhenney, Reynolds has successfully leveraged his ownership of the club to create engaging content. Their docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, which airs on FX, has not only elevated the team’s profile but also allowed viewers to witness the behind-the-scenes workings of a soccer club. This successful endeavor resulted in Wrexham AFC earning a promotion back into the English Football League for the 2023 season, a significant achievement after 15 years of absence.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Reynolds and the other investors, stating that their expertise in the sports industry will be instrumental in boosting Alpine Racing’s media and marketing strategy. The long-term goal is to enhance the team’s overall performance on and off the track. The collaboration with Maximum Effort Investments, RedBird Capital Partners, and Otro Capital brings together international players who have a strong track record in the sports industry, making them well-equipped to support Alpine Racing’s growth.
This investment in the Alpine Formula 1 Race Team aligns with the current trend of soaring valuations for sports rights. Both traditional media companies and tech giants are vying for live sports events as a means to attract viewers and advertisements. The value of live events has skyrocketed, creating opportunities for investors like Reynolds and his partners to tap into this lucrative market.
In conclusion, Ryan Reynolds’ expansion into the sports world continues with the acquisition of a stake in the Alpine Formula 1 Race Team. Alongside partners Rob McElhenney and Michael B. Jordan, Reynolds aims to enhance the team’s growth plans and visibility in the highly popular Formula 1 industry. This investment follows their successful ownership of Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC, where they leveraged their ownership to create engaging content and elevate the team’s profile. With their recognized expertise in the sports industry, Reynolds and his partners are well-positioned to support Alpine Racing’s long-term success. As the value of live sports events continues to rise, this investment reflects the growing opportunities in the sports ownership market.