In 2026, Reggie Bush launched a sports investment firm seeking $150 million to buy stakes in emerging leagues

Former NFL star Reggie Bush is taking his career in a new direction by investing in the future of sports. In March 2026, Bush teamed up with investor Terrence C. Murphy Sr. to launch Synergy Sports Capital, a private-equity firm seeking $150 million for its first fund. The firm plans to invest in emerging sports leagues, teams, and related businesses instead of focusing mainly on established NFL and NBA franchises. With an investment in a professional soccer club already in place and a new golf venture in development, Bush and Murphy want to find business opportunities in sports that have room to grow. The move also gives Bush a chance to use his experience as a former player to understand what athletes and sports businesses need to succeed. By backing growing leagues and new ventures, Synergy Sports Capital hopes to find opportunities beyond traditional professional sports. The firm’s success will depend on choosing the right investments and helping these businesses build a stronger future.How the former NFL star and Terrence Murphy plan to invest in new sports competitionsSynergy Sports Capital plans to invest in sports teams and leagues while also exploring opportunities in real estate and businesses connected to the sports industry. Its first fund, Synergy Sports GP I, is seeking $150 million from potential investors, including wealthy individuals, family offices, private-equity firms, and professional athletes.According to Front Office Sports, Murphy said in March 2026 that the firm was speaking with potential investors and that some had made informal commitments. However, the report did not confirm that Synergy had raised the full amount.The firm has already made its first investment in Atlético Dallas, a soccer club founded in 2024 that competes in the USL Championship. It plans to explore further opportunities as it builds its portfolio.Murphy brings experience from his own investments, which include real estate and more than 100 companies. His sports-related investments include the United Pickleball Association and Third Coast Renegades Angling Club, a team in the Sport Fishing Championship league.Bush brings his experience as a former professional athlete and his understanding of the sports industry. Together, the two partners want to identify businesses that could benefit from investment and a stronger commercial strategy.Why their fund is targeting emerging leagues instead of established NFL and NBA franchisesBuying a stake in an established professional sports team has become popular among wealthy investors and athletes. However, these opportunities can require significant capital, and investors may have limited control over how a team operates.Synergy wants to take a different approach by focusing on emerging sports businesses where it may be able to acquire controlling stakes and play a more active role in their development.Murphy identified several competitions that reflect the firm’s areas of interest, including Unrivaled, the National Women’s Soccer League, Major League Pickleball, and TGL Golf. These organizations represent different parts of the sports industry, from women’s basketball and soccer to pickleball and technology-focused golf.The firm has not announced investments in all these leagues, so they remain potential areas of interest rather than confirmed deals.The strategy also involves looking beyond teams themselves. Synergy plans to consider sports-related real estate and businesses that support competitions, potentially giving it several ways to participate in the industry’s growth.However, emerging leagues can face challenges, including attracting fans, securing sponsors, and generating enough revenue to grow. Synergy will need to identify businesses with strong potential and determine how its investments can help them succeed.What is Synergy Sports Capital’s first investment, and which leagues could it target next?Atlético Dallas is currently Synergy’s first identified portfolio company. The club’s place in the USL Championship gives the firm an early presence in professional soccer as it looks for other investment opportunities.Murphy’s earlier investments in pickleball and competitive fishing also show his interest in sports outside the biggest professional leagues. These competitions can offer opportunities to build new audiences and attract sponsors, although their long-term success depends on their ability to grow.Synergy has not announced a complete list of future investments. Its next moves will depend on the opportunities available and how much money it raises through its inaugural fund.The firm is also interested in businesses connected to sports facilities, real estate, and league operations. This broader approach could allow it to invest in the infrastructure and services that help sports organizations operate, rather than relying only on team ownership.For now, Atlético Dallas remains its first identified investment, while other leagues and teams mentioned by Murphy represent possible opportunities rather than completed acquisitions.How Reggie Bush’s United Athletes Tour fits into the firm’s long-term business plansBush is also developing the United Athletes Tour, a golf venture designed for professional athletes who want to compete outside their main sports. After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Bush developed a strong interest in golf and noticed that many other athletes enjoyed the game but lacked a dedicated tour where they could compete for prize money and sponsorships.He told Front Office Sports that the tour was expected to hold its first event in June 2026 in San Diego, although he did not disclose the golf course at the time of the interview.Murphy said the project fits well with Synergy’s interest in emerging sports businesses. However, the report did not confirm the tour’s formal ownership structure within the firm.The venture could give athletes a new way to compete while creating opportunities for sponsors and other businesses. For Bush, it also provides a path to remain involved in sports while developing a business beyond his football career.Synergy Sports Capital is still in its early stages, and its progress will depend on fundraising and the investments it completes. Its $150 million target is a fundraising goal, not a confirmed amount already raised.With Atlético Dallas already in its portfolio and the United Athletes Tour taking shape, Bush and Murphy have begun putting their plans into action. Their next challenge will be to turn emerging sports opportunities into businesses that can attract audiences, generate revenue, and deliver long-term value for investors.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.