The People of Private Capital

At the intersection of Pro Sports and Real Estate with Marley Hughes

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In this episode of The People of Private Capital, Marley Hughes, CEO of Magnolia Hill Partners and founding partner of Momentous Sports, unpacks the fast-emerging asset class at the intersection of professional sports ownership and mixed-use real estate.

He traces his path from FS Investments to building a family office platform focused on sports, data centers, and private equity, and explains why Momentous is backing sports-anchored districts in high-growth secondary U.S. markets.

We explore why the team itself acts as a catalyst for 365-day districts, how youth academies and community alignment enhance value, and why GP-level exposure matters. Marley also discusses investor access, public-private partnerships, and the long-term vision for democratizing sports-based private markets investing.

Key Topics

Marley’s path from FS Investments to Magnolia Hill Partners

Why sports + mixed-use real estate creates “one plus one equals three” value
Secondary markets: migration, demographics, and community alignment
Focus on established global sports (especially U.S. soccer) and community-anchored leagues
The economics of sports districts vs. standalone teams
GP-level positions, fund structure, and SPV co-invest
Public-private partnerships and impact-driven development
The growing role of youth academies and 365-day activation
Long-term trends reshaping sports consumption and real-estate districts

What You’ll Learn

  • How aligned team + real estate ownership drives outsized returns
  • Why secondary markets offer the most compelling sports-district opportunities
  • How GP participation changes investor economics and influence
  • Ways sports-anchored districts create durable, mixed-use value
  • How community engagement and youth programs strengthen investment outcomes
  • Where sports-based private markets investing is heading over the next decade

    • Links mentioned in this episode:

    MAGNOLIA HILL PARTNERS: https://magnoliahillpartners.com/

    MOMENTOUS SPORTS: https://momentous-sports.com/
    ASSET CLASS: https://www.assetclass.com/

    LinkedIn: Marley Hughes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marleyhughes/

    LinkedIn: Ferdi Roberts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdiroberts/

    Podcast Producers:

    Des McGouran
    Sam Roberts

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    The People of Private CapitalBy Asset Class Limited