KKR Acquires Arctos in $1.4 Billion Strategic Transaction

Acquisition establishes new platform for sports, GP solutions, and secondaries

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

KKR & Co. Inc., a leading global investment firm, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arctos Partners, a premier institutional investor in professional sports franchise stakes and a leader in asset management solutions for sponsors. The transaction is valued at $1.4 billion in initial consideration, including equity subject to vesting through 2033, plus up to an additional $550 million in future equity tied to both KKR share price and business-specific performance targets and vesting through 2031.

Why it matters

The acquisition advances KKR's strategy to scale its platform by building and acquiring complementary businesses in large addressable markets where KKR has the ability to be a leader. Bringing Arctos into KKR will provide access to capital and capabilities that will fuel the growth of Arctos' existing businesses while also deepening KKR's sourcing and origination capabilities and expanding its long-duration capital base.

The details

Founded by Ian Charles and Doc O'Connor in 2019 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Arctos is the largest institutional investor in professional sports franchises and a recognized innovator in providing strategic capital to asset management firms through structured solutions. The firm manages approximately $15 billion in Assets Under Management and provides bespoke growth and liquidity solutions to sports franchises and alternative asset managers.

  • KKR announced the acquisition on February 5, 2026.
  • The transaction is expected to close subject to regulatory and specified sports league approvals, as well as customary closing conditions.

The players

KKR & Co. Inc.

A leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions.

Arctos Partners

A private investment firm designed to catalyze growth and unlock value in complex, illiquid, and underserved markets, including private equity, real assets, and professional sports franchises.

Ian Charles

Co-founder and Managing Partner of Arctos Partners, a pioneer and innovator in the secondaries space.

Doc O'Connor

Co-founder and Managing Partner of Arctos Partners, with over 40 years of experience and unparalleled relationships in the sports ecosystem.

Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall

Co-Chief Executive Officers of KKR.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“KKR is a preeminent global investment firm and ideally positioned to help us achieve the vision we have for Arctos. We see tremendous opportunity to better serve the sports industry and the sponsor community, but the key to that unlock is a partnership that will provide access to strategic, financial and operational resources to accelerate our existing businesses.”

— Ian Charles and Doc O'Connor, Managing Partners of Arctos

“Arctos has created a distinctive and scaled platform across sports investing and capital solutions for asset managers, and the team has extensive experience in secondaries-three areas where we see significant long-term opportunity. The team has complementary strengths, strong cultural alignment, and an entrepreneurial approach that fits well with KKR. We look forward to working together to build a platform that expands opportunities across the entire KKR ecosystem.”

— Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, Co-Chief Executive Officers of KKR

What’s next

The transaction is subject to regulatory and specified sports league approvals, as well as customary closing conditions.

The takeaway

This acquisition allows KKR to significantly expand its capabilities in the growing sports franchise investment and asset management solutions markets, while also building a leading secondaries platform. The combination of Arctos' expertise and KKR's resources is expected to drive significant growth and value creation across these strategic business areas.