The Deal with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly How Blackstone’s David Blitzer Invested in Every Major Sport
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Jun 19, 2025 David Blitzer, Chairman at Blackstone and co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, discusses his unique journey from a 'failed athlete' to owner of teams in all five major American sports leagues. He highlights how data and analytics enhance fan experiences and details his investments in youth sports, aiming to bridge the fragmented market. Blitzer also shares insights on the rising popularity of women's sports and innovative strategies to attract younger audiences, comparing choosing a favorite team to picking a favorite child.
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From Failed Athlete to Owner
- David Blitzer shares how he came to invest in sports despite being a "failed athlete."
- A conversation about NBA team investments in 2010 led him to partner with Josh Harris to buy the Philadelphia 76ers.
Wait Before Making Changes
- Don't make any major moves in your first season owning a team; focus on learning the organization.
- Taking time to understand the unique dynamics of sports business is critical before acting.
Supply and Demand in Sports
- Sports team investments follow the fundamental law of supply and demand: limited supply and increasing demand.
- Increasing billionaires and institutional investment combined with scarce teams drive valuations upward.