GTCR-backed Ascent Sports Group has acquired LiveBarn, a Montreal-based provider of live and on-demand video and analytics for ice hockey and other sports across North America. This marks Ascent's first investment since launching in January 2026. Ray Giroux, previously CEO of another company, will become LiveBarn's new CEO following the transaction.

Ascent's entry into sports tech via this acquisition signals a strategic expansion into the youth and amateur sports market, leveraging LiveBarn's established platform. The deal positions Ascent to build a comprehensive technology and media platform within the sports sector.