Kolisi, Villa, and Diggins Join CVC’s £10bn Global Sports Group

Siya Kolisi, David Villa, and Skylar Diggins have been appointed to advise CVC Capital Partners’ new £10 billion venture, the Global Sport Group (GSG). This initiative consolidates CVC’s investments in various prominent sports leagues, including Premiership Rugby, the Six Nations, LaLiga, Ligue 1, and the women’s tennis tour.

Launched in September 2023, GSG aims to enhance the relationship between sports organizations and athletes. Kolisi, the victorious captain of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup team, Villa, a former striker for Spain, and Diggins, a star in women’s basketball, will form an athlete advisory group in collaboration with Roc Nation Sports International, the agency founded by Jay-Z.

Balancing Commercial Growth with Athlete Engagement

Marc Allera, chair of GSG, emphasized the platform’s mission: “GSG is built on the principle that sport’s long-term success depends on balancing commercial growth with respect for athletes and fans.” The establishment of the Athlete Advisory Board is designed to integrate athlete perspectives directly into decision-making processes, ensuring that the growth of leagues aligns with the values of the players involved.

The advisory board will tackle various key issues, such as creating pathways for women and youth athletes, enhancing fan engagement, and finding ways to commercialize sports while safeguarding their integrity.

Kolisi expressed his commitment to this initiative, stating, “As someone who has lived the realities of the professional game, my goal is to ensure that player feedback—regarding both physical and mental demands—isn’t just a talking point but a core part of the commercial strategy.” He believes the board can significantly influence change, particularly in rugby.

Villa, known for his time with Barcelona and New York City FC, shared his insights on the importance of the athlete’s voice. “Football is a truly global game, and what’s clear is that the athlete’s voice is the most trusted voice with the fans,” he remarked. “I am joining the AAB to help GSG ensure their investment strategies genuinely strengthen the player-fan connection and build sustainable pathways for talent development across every major market.”

Empowering Women in Sports

Diggins, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, highlighted her focus on women’s sports. “This is a moment where women’s sports will receive the equitable and responsible investment they deserve,” she stated. Her role within the advisory group will concentrate on crucial topics such as fair wages and brand building, ensuring that the growth of women’s sports translates into direct benefits for the athletes at the forefront.

The establishment of this advisory group marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and responsive sports landscape. By incorporating the voices of prominent athletes, CVC’s Global Sport Group aims to redefine the relationship between sports entities and those who play them, setting a precedent for future investments in the industry.