Skip to content
15 January, 2026

Breaking Barriers: Why Black Ownership in Sports Business Must Grow

The global sports industry generates over $600 billion annually, yet Black ownership in sports business remains critically low — particularly across Africa.

The Reality

Africa consistently produces world-class athletes and cultural icons, but rarely owns the clubs, agencies, media platforms, and rights-holding businesses that profit from this talent. Value flows outward, while ownership and long-term wealth remain elsewhere.

Why Ownership Matters

Ownership is not symbolic — it is power.

It enables:

  • Economic empowerment and wealth creation
  • Control over narratives, media rights, and strategy
  • Reinvestment into African communities
  • Sustainable, African-led sports ecosystems

Without ownership, participation alone will never deliver lasting impact.

Proof it is Possible

Despite underrepresentation, credible global examples show that intentional ownership and influence can be built:

  • Serena Williams — strategic investor in sports and women-led ventures
  • Lewis Hamilton — part-owner of the Denver Broncos and founder of Mission 44
  • Tems — member of the ownership group of San Diego FC (MLS)
  • Ibrahim Sagna — senior global sports executive and co-founder of ABLO, shaping sport, culture, and commercial strategy at the highest level

These examples prove one truth: ownership is learned, structured, and strategic.

What it Takes

Sustainable sports ownership requires:

  • Financial literacy and investment knowledge
  • Governance and regulatory understanding
  • Strategic communication and deal-making
  • Digital and content monetisation skills
  • Strong networks and professional structures

The Way Forward

Africa does not lack talent.

Africa lacks ownership pipelines.

That gap can be closed through intentional education, governance literacy, and business skill-building.

Join any of our specialised courses in Sports Finance & Investment, Sports Governance, Sports Content Development, and more — and start building the skills required for ownership and leadership in global sport.

Africa’s future in sport must move from participation to ownership.

Stay ahead in your career

Get notified about the latest job opportunities in the sports industry. Subscribe to our newsletter.

More resources to explore

Carpe Diem for Cabo Verde – Why African States Must Finally Convert Their Soft Power in Sports
Carpe Diem for Cabo Verde – Why African States Must Finally Convert Their Soft Power in Sports When Professor Simon Chadwick and Dr Paul Widdop published their “Soft Power World Cup” ranking in Forbes this month, one name stood out for me. Not Norway, the surprise winner, whose collective self-belief and drum-beating Viking Row captured global audiences. Not France, second, projecting effortless luxury through a Jacquemus collaboration. Cabo Verde: fifth. An archipelagoContinue reading "Carpe Diem for Cabo Verde – Why African States Must Finally Convert Their Soft Power in Sports"
Read More
The Business Case of African Women’s Football
The Business Case of African Women’s Football Ghizlane Chebbak was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year in 2025. Asisat Oshoala has won the award five times. Rasheedat Ajibade plays at one of Spain’s biggest clubs. Thembi Kgatlana has represented South Africa at two Olympics. The talent produced by African women’s football is globally recognised, individually celebrated, and increasingly visible on theContinue reading "The Business Case of African Women’s Football"
Read More
Building the Future Sports Workforce: Skills, Tools & Mindsets for Next-Gen Club Leaders
Building the Future Sports Workforce: Skills, Tools & Mindsets for Next-Gen Club Leaders In a recent conversation hosted by the Business of Sports Institute Africa, Pedro Batista shared valuable insights with Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya the Academic Director and Founder on how the sports industry is changing and what this means for the next generation of sports leaders.
Read More
The Business Of School Sports: Why Africa  Must Seize its Opportunity To Become A Leader
The Business Of School Sports: Why Africa  Must Seize its Opportunity To Become A Leader Across the world, school sports have grown into a structured and profitable industry that fuels talent development, creates jobs, attracts sponsorship, and feeds professional leagues. Africa, with its  youthful population , a continent where ⅓ are under the age of 35 and expanding private participation in school competitions, should be a natural leader in thisContinue reading "The Business Of School Sports: Why Africa  Must Seize its Opportunity To Become A Leader"
Read More