Brand Velocity Group (BVG) announced its acquisition of Score Sports, a designer, manufacturer and seller of youth team sports uniforms and equipment. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Wilmington, CA, Score was founded in 1975 and has been led by two sisters who saw a need for affordable, quality soccer uniforms. Nearly 50 years later, Score claims to be a top multi-sport uniform and equipment company serving athletes of all ages across a range of sports including soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, flag football, and volleyball.
BVG said it would help accelerate Score’s growth within the $8 billion youth sports market. Score has started to leverage BVG’s specialty brand marketing agency relationships and has tapped its sports and entertainment network to create accretive partnerships with athletes, teams, leagues, celebrities, and other businesses.
To support Score, BVG has tapped investors, including abrdn and Ocean Avenue Capital Partners, and individuals including Carmelo Anthony, Nolan Arenado, Andre Drummond, Steve Hutchinson, Carli Lloyd, the Manning family (Peyton, Eli, and Cooper), Weston McKennie, DK Metcalf, Khris Middleton, Kelly Olynyk, Marcus Smart, Tim Tebow, Isaiah Thomas, and Klay Thompson.
“We’re extremely excited to join Score’s team of dedicated employees who every day amplify youth sports participation across the country,” said Austin Ramos, founding partner, BVG. “Our investors and strategic partners are all fully aligned with Score’s mission, and we are especially grateful for the support of our athlete investor group who will play a key role in further building Score’s visibility within their respective networks.”
BVG Partner Eli Manning added, “I attribute a lot of my success in life to the lessons and values learned playing youth sports. Score is my first acquisition as a private equity investor, and I can’t wait to share my passion for youth sports through a company that has been serving communities across the U.S. with excellence and pride for decades.”
In addition to benefitting from BVG’s marketing resources, Score has access to BVG’s operating expertise and focus on enhancing company culture through its programs, including Share the Gains where it allocates 10 percent of its carried interest earnings to Score employees to participate as equity holders in the financial success of the company. Incremental to BVG’s carry contribution, over 20 percent of limited partners have reserved a portion of their anticipated profits to Share the Gains.
“It was clear from our first meeting that BVG knows our industry and shares our company’s core values. They are undoubtedly the right partner to elevate our business to the next level,” said Kevin Mahoney, president and CEO, Score Sports. “Our mission has always been to create access to youth sports opportunities nationwide, all while providing unmatched service to our customers and community-based partners. BVG’s involvement will only enhance that mission.”
Sixpoint Partners acted as placement agent on the transaction with Sidley Austin serving as legal counsel to BVG. Kurt Salmon Capital Advisors served as financial advisor, and Norton Rose Fulbright served as legal counsel to Score.
