In what has been described as one of the biggest investment deals into a single sports team in Australian history, A-League Men club Melbourne Victory and 777 Partners have joined forces.
Miami-based private equity firm 777 Partners has bought into Victory with strategic investment after being unveiled as the team’s newest shareholders on Wednesday.
777 Partners also back Victory’s new principal partner Bonza – a low-cost airline, the largest deal in the club’s history.
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Victory join the firm’s multi-club network, which includes Italian club Genoa, Brazil’s Vasco da Gama, Belgian outfit Standard de Liege and Red Star FC in France, while they hold a significant minority stage in LaLiga’s Sevilla.
“In looking at the benefits of a strategic partnership for the Club, it was key for Melbourne Victory that we aligned with the right partner who would help create new opportunities for growth and development as well as maintaining what makes Melbourne Victory special,” said Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro.
“The 777 Partners deal will strengthen our capital base and will allow the Club to supercharge its growth trajectory as well as ensure its longevity in Australia and football while retaining the Melbourne Victory brand, fabric and history.
“Our vision is to lead, unite, connect and inspire Australians and we believe, now more than ever, that with the resources and strategic support that 777 Partners has to offer we will achieve just that.
“With Don Dransfield, CEO of 777 Football Group, joining the board of Melbourne Victory, the Club will have direct access to world-class data and analytics professionals, advanced player development techniques and global commercial opportunities.
“Our focus has always been on football but equally we are about building the Club for all Melbournians, now and in the future. This arrangement will enable Melbourne Victory to build and develop its talent in a way we have not been able to access before.”
Victory kick-off their 2022-23 A-League Men season away to rivals Sydney FC in Saturday’s ‘Big Blue’ at Allianz Stadium.
Tony Popovic’s Victory, who reached the semi-finals last term, are headlined by Manchester United great Nani.
Nani will feature in a ground-breaking behind-the-scenes documentary series – A-Leagues All Access – starting October 13.
777 Partners founder and managing director Josh Wander added: “Football is poised for tremendous growth in Australia, and on this basis, it is strategically important for our group to be here.
“Melbourne Victory with its success on the pitch and passionate, loyal fan base, is the perfect club for us.
“With 777 Football Group, Melbourne Victory will now have access to world-class data and analytics professionals, advanced player development techniques and global commercial opportunities, such as the unique partnership with Bonza that benefits all involved.
“We are committed to doing all of this while respecting the history and traditions that Melbourne Victory fans hold so dear. We are very excited to be a part of this journey alongside Melbourne Victory.”
