Don Cornwell, CEO of Dynasty Equity, argues that technology is revolutionizing how private equity firms engage with sports fandoms. His firm invests in sports-enabled operating businesses, franchises, and leagues, leveraging data analytics to deepen fan connections. Cornwell stresses that skipping annual general meetings (AGMs) is a critical misstep, as these events offer unfiltered access to management strategies and market trends.

The PE landscape is shifting rapidly, with investors increasingly targeting sports-adjacent assets. Cornwell highlights how digital tools allow firms to analyze fan behavior, optimize sponsorship deals, and identify undervalued opportunities. He warns that dealmakers who overlook AGMs miss real-time insights into operational challenges and competitive dynamics within the sports ecosystem.

Despite growing interest, Cornwell cautions against overestimating sports' profitability. He emphasizes that AGMs reveal granular details about franchise valuations, regulatory hurdles, and fanbase loyalty metrics—data that third-party reports often obscure. For PE leaders, these meetings are less about financials and more about understanding the human and cultural drivers behind sports' enduring appeal.

As PE firms ramp up sports acquisitions, Cornwell's advice is clear: prioritize AGMs to stay ahead. He notes that 60% of Dynasty Equity's recent deals involved direct AGM engagement, uncovering risks and synergies invisible in quarterly reports. This hands-on approach, he argues, separates savvy investors from those chasing trends without substance.