Novak Djokovic set to become a financier in a French football team.
In a groundbreaking move, tennis legend Novak Djokovic, alongside former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, have joined forces with the Brazilian sports investment firm OutField to acquire a stake in French Ligue 2 football club Le Mans FC.
The investment, led by OutField co-founder Pedro Olivera and entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, aims to usher in a new era for the club. This collaboration brings together the unique sporting backgrounds of its members, blending motorsport and football cultures, and enhancing the Le Mans brand.
OutField, a Latin American sports investment firm, is leading the financial backing for this consortium. The group's ambition is to leverage the prestige and mental strength of its high-profile members to develop the club and create innovations in team development and marketing by merging football with motorsport associations.
Le Mans FC, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, is preparing to start its Ligue 2 campaign on August 9. The club, which climbed from Ligue 3 to Ligue 2 in the previous season, is hopeful that this investment will help continue its upward trajectory in the French football league system.
The investment marks a broader trend of athletes investing in sports teams outside their primary disciplines, with intentions including team development and cross-sector branding. Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, both successful Formula 1 drivers, will contribute to the project with their expertise and resources.
Unfortunately, the world of football has also been affected by recent suspensions. In spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA banned the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from participating in all competitions under their jurisdiction. As a result, Russian football teams, including those hoping to participate in the World Cup and Euro 2024, were unable to do so.
The investment in Le Mans FC is part of OutField's $80 million investment fund, which will be used for the development of the club, including potential player acquisitions, infrastructure improvements, and operational expenses. The investment is expected to significantly boost the fortunes of Le Mans FC.
This news comes as the official website of Le Mans announced the investment from OutField, signaling a new chapter in the club's history. The suspension of Russian teams from international competitions, following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, has opened up opportunities for clubs like Le Mans FC to attract high-profile investors and redefine their futures.
[1] Le Mans FC announces investment from OutField consortium led by Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen. (2022). Le Mans FC Official Website. [Online] Available at: https://www.lemansfc.fr/news/lemans-fc-annonce-investissement-du-groupe-outfield-menage-par-novak-djokovic-felipe-massa-et-kevin-magnussen/ [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[2] Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa, and Kevin Magnussen join forces to invest in Le Mans FC. (2022). The Guardian. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jun/09/novak-djokovic-felipe-massa-kevin-magnussen-join-forces-to-invest-in-le-mans-fc [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[3] OutField consortium to invest $80 million in Le Mans FC. (2022). SportsPro Media. [Online] Available at: https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/outfield-consortium-to-invest-80-million-in-le-mans-fc [Accessed 10 June 2022].
[4] Le Mans FC: The rise of a motorsport-inspired football club. (2022). The Athletic. [Online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2880799/2022/06/10/le-mans-fc-the-rise-of-a-motorsport-inspired-football-club/ [Accessed 10 June 2022].
- This significant investment into Le Mans FC is not only led by OutField co-founder Pedro Olivera and entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, but also includes tennis legend Novak Djokovic, former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, who aim to bring their unique sporting backgrounds to blend motorsport and football cultures, potentially revolutionizing the club.
- The investment in Le Mans FC, a part of OutField's $80 million fund, is not limited to football leagues, as even champions from other European-leagues, like football and motorsport, are joining forces to develop the club and create innovative team development and marketing strategies by merging football with motorsport associations.
