A boutique private credit firm has backed a $50 million financing package for Sports Illustrated Tickets, enabling the platform to purchase and resell World Cup tickets at substantial markups. Eagle Point Credit Management, managing $14 billion in assets, is lending the full ticket cost, effectively providing 100% financing despite the unusual risk profile.

This arrangement works because World Cup tickets typically command three times their face value in secondary markets, reducing the effective loan-to-value ratio to 35%. The Connecticut-based firm joins other lenders including Feenix Venture Partners in targeting mid-teens returns from ticket resale investments. If Sports Illustrated Tickets defaults, lenders could seize its inventory of millions of tickets across sports, concerts, and theatrical events.

Ticket prices for the North American-hosted tournament have sparked controversy, with opening match seats listed at $5,900 and final tickets ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. The backlash has even reached Wall Street, where Eagle Point's founder admits he passed on $20,000 final tickets. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated's ticketing arm continues expanding beyond football, leveraging its event sponsorships and stadium partnerships to secure inventory ranging from K-pop shows to Billy Joel concerts.