Episode 9: At the intersection of Pro Sports and Real Estate with Marley Hughes

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