Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:22pm
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Dave Checketts, the former president of the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks, has launched a $1.2 billion private equity fund called Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital. The fund is actively targeting opportunities in women’s sports and golf, signaling a significant shift in where major money is flowing within the sports industry.
Why it matters
The fund’s focus on women’s sports reflects the sector’s unprecedented growth in viewership, attendance and revenue. Leagues like the NWSL and WNBA are attracting significant investor interest, and emerging properties like League One Volleyball (LOVB) and Unrivaled are gaining traction. This investment highlights the growing appeal of women’s sports and the willingness of high-profile figures to back these ventures.
The details
Alongside women’s sports, Checketts’ fund is also targeting opportunities in the golf industry. The financial dynamics within golf are attracting attention, with the PGA Tour securing a $1.5 billion investment from the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) and the indoor golf league TGL, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, valued at around $500 million after a Series A funding round.
- Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital was recently launched in 2026.
- The fund has already made its first investment, backing ALK Capital, the owner of Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol.
The players
Dave Checketts
The former president of the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks, who has launched a $1.2 billion private equity fund called Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital.
Brian Rolapp
The PGA Tour Commissioner, whom Checketts praised for his leadership.
Scott O’Neill
The CEO of LIV Golf, whom Checketts also praised as one of the “smartest guys in sports.”
Alan Pace
The owner of Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol, who has partnered with Checketts in the past and is the focus of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital’s first investment.
Tiger Woods
The professional golfer who is backing the indoor golf league TGL, which is valued at around $500 million after a Series A funding round.
What they’re saying
“Women’s sports especially, is a great place to invest, and that’s where we’re looking.”
— Dave Checketts (newsy-today.com)
“Brian Rolapp and Scott O’Neill are two of the smartest guys in sports.”
— Dave Checketts (newsy-today.com)
What’s next
Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital is expected to continue deploying its $1.2 billion fund into promising opportunities in women’s sports and golf, as well as potentially other sectors within the sports industry.
The takeaway
Checketts’ focus on women’s sports and golf reflects a broader trend of increasing investor interest in these sectors, which are seen as having significant growth potential. This investment highlights the evolving landscape of sports finance and the willingness of high-profile figures to back innovative ventures in the industry.
