William Blair announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Inner Circle Sports, a boutique investment bank focused on the global sports, media, and entertainment sectors. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Founded in 2002, Inner Circle Sports advises clients across mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, limited partner transactions, debt financing, and valuation services within the sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem.
The firm’s client base includes sports team owners, leagues, municipalities, universities, investors, sports operating companies, and media and entertainment companies.
William Blair said the acquisition expands its investment banking platform and strengthens its advisory and capital markets capabilities within sectors benefiting from long-term growth trends across professional sports, collegiate athletics, youth sports, media, and entertainment.
Inner Circle Sports will continue operating under its existing brand name for a period following the acquisition.
The companies noted that Inner Circle Sports has advised on numerous high-profile sports transactions across the United States and Europe, including work involving Liverpool FC and the Philadelphia 76ers.
William Blair’s investment banking group advised on more than $850 billion in completed transaction volume between January 2021 and December 2025.
Support: Winston & Strawn served as legal advisor to William Blair, while Solomon Partners acted as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher served as legal advisor to Inner Circle Sports.
KEY QUOTES:
“Inner Circle Sports has built an outstanding franchise anchored by deep sector expertise, trusted relationships, and a strong entrepreneurial culture. Their approach aligns closely with William Blair’s client-first philosophy and independent partnership model. As our investment banking activity continues to accelerate, we look forward to expanding opportunities with Inner Circle Sports across our exceptional financial services platform.”
Brent Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer, William Blair
“Expanding our capabilities in sports, media, and entertainment is a key strategic priority for William Blair. The sector is experiencing strong secular tailwinds, spanning professional sports as well as youth and collegiate athletics, alongside meaningful opportunities across the broader sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem.”
“Inner Circle Sports further enhances our ability to serve clients and deliver value across these markets, including our private equity clients with exposure to the asset class.”
Matt Zimmer, Global Head Of Investment Banking, William Blair
“When we founded Inner Circle Sports, I could not have imagined how much the industry would evolve. Partnering with William Blair is a natural fit, given our shared values and their ability to further expand our platform and resources.”
“This combination will provide our clients with even greater opportunities going forward, and we are thrilled to be joining Brent, Matt, and their team.”
Rob Tilliss, Co-Founder, Inner Circle Sports
“Joining William Blair represents a compelling next chapter for Inner Circle Sports. Since our founding, we have been one of the most active advisors on control transactions in the team sports industry across the U.S. and Europe.”
“We have had the privilege of supporting exceptional clients during some of their most important and visible decisions.”
“From our early efforts with Liverpool FC and the Philadelphia 76ers to today, we take great pride in the breadth and impact of our work across the global sports, media, and entertainment sector. Our success has been driven by the talent, integrity, and commitment of the people at Inner Circle Sports.”
Steve Horowitz, Co-Founder, Inner Circle Sports
