KEY POINTS Dave Checketts and Cynosure Group aim to raise $1.2 billion for sports-related investments. Checketts and the Eccles family have longstanding relationship and connection to Utah sports. Live sports revenues are expected to reach nearly $900 billion in the next decade. A full-circle moment, perhaps, was christened Monday when pro sports veteran and Utah […]
KEY POINTS
A full-circle moment, perhaps, was christened Monday when pro sports veteran and Utah native Dave Checketts and the Eccles family private investment firm Cynosure Group launched Cynosure|Checketts Sports Capital, a joint venture aiming to raise $1.2 billion to back “high-potential sports opportunities.
Checketts and the Eccles family can trace their connection back to the advent of big-time professional sports in Utah. Spencer F. Eccles, then CEO and chairman of First Security Corporation, helped Larry H. Miller secure funding in 1985 to keep the Jazz in Utah in a deal that eventually led to Miller acquiring full ownership of the team.
At the time, Checketts was two years into his first pro sports gig with the Jazz, having become the youngest-ever NBA team president in 1983 at the age of 28.
The ensuing decades saw the Eccles family support a myriad of sports venues and programs through their philanthropic arm and help bring the 2002 Winter Games to Salt Lake City as Checketts built a wide-ranging career as a top sports executive and investor. His tenure as Jazz president/CEO ran through 1990 before he moved on to take over as the New York Knicks chief executive and later became the president/CEO of Madison Square Garden from 1994-2001.
Along the way he founded the New York Liberty, one of the original WNBA franchises, and founded Real Salt Lake, Utah’s first Major League Soccer franchise. In 2005, the same year RSL began play, Checketts bought the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Under Checketts’ leadership, RSL claimed its first (and so far, only) championship in 2009 when the team defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy to win the MLS Cup.
Cynosure|Checketts Sports Capital says it already has deals in the pipeline and will be targeting investments across multiple segments of the sports industry, including:
“This partnership is a dream come true for me, reuniting me with the Eccles family, who were key in keeping the Jazz in Salt Lake City, bringing the Olympic Winter Games to Utah in 2002 and building tremendous intercollegiate athletic programs in the state,” Checketts said. “By joining forces today with The Cynosure Group, we are creating a powerhouse entity with assets that will make us competitive on a global scale and will give us great opportunities to help shape the future of the industry right away.”
In a Deseret News interview, Checketts said the idea to start a sports-focused investment fund has been on his mind since he and his wife completed a mission in London for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2021.
“When I came home I was close enough to retirement age that I started thinking about what the last chapter of my career in sports was going to look like,” he said. “I wanted to raise a significant fund and go after interesting investments in sport, but not just franchises, other assets in this industry.”
The last six years has evolved into a watershed moment for private equity investment opportunities in sports. From 2019 to 2024, all five major North American sports leagues have opened their doors to private investment and the business of live sports is booming.
According to a report from Buyouts, global sports revenues hit $463 billion in 2024 and are expected to reach $863 billion by 2033.
“Investments in the sports ecosystem have increased in recent years due to rising franchise valuations and media rights packages, emerging revenue streams like sponsorship, merchandising and gaming and the digitization of distribution,” Scott Marimow, Providence Equity Partners, told Buyouts.
Spencer P. Eccles, managing partner and co-founder of The Cynosure Group and former executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, noted in a Deseret News interview that the relationship between his family and Checketts goes back nearly five decades and the shared approach to business ventures makes for a natural fit.
“We’re bringing together two powerhouses with a shared vision, business acuity and track record of successes,” Eccles said. “We knew if we were ever going to partner Cynosure and the Eccles family with an effort in the sports space, it would be with Dave Checketts.”
Eccles noted his family’s connection with sports, both in personal pursuits and financial support, goes back generations and focuses on “building individuals, building communities and building the state.”
Randal Quarles, chairman of The Cynosure Group and former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, noted the sports investment realm is rife with both opportunity and earnings potential.
“Sports represents a unique asset class with tremendous growth potential,” Quarles said in a statement. “By partnering with Dave Checketts, whose expertise in building value across multiple sports properties is unmatched, we are positioning ourselves to capitalize on the most compelling opportunities in this dynamic market.”
Story Links Season Ticket Information MADISON, Wis. – 2025 Wisconsin volleyball season tickets are available for order today! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to keep the tradition alive in the UW Field House. Wisconsin volleyball is a model of consistency – finishing […]
MADISON, Wis. – 2025 Wisconsin volleyball season tickets are available for order today! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to keep the tradition alive in the UW Field House.
Wisconsin volleyball is a model of consistency – finishing in the Top 10 nationally in 11 of the last 12 seasons and seven years in a row, and the Badgers have ranked No. 2 in national attendance in every season since 2018 (excluding 2020).
This season, fans can catch Big Ten opponents Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Purdue, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, UCLA, and USC in the Field House. Dates and times will be announced at a later date, in addition to the Badgers non-conference schedule.
The Badgers are excited to open the 2025 season with the Opening Spike Classic at the Kohl Center with matches against Kansas and Texas over Labor Day weekend. While this third-party showcase is not included in the 2025 season ticket package, season ticket holders will still enjoy the benefit of 15 home matches in their package, consistent with past years.
Secure your seat for 2025 today!
GULF SHORES, Ala. – The No. 8 Florida State beach volleyball team is set to face No. 9 Long Beach State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET in Gulf Shores, Alabama. FSU has earned a spot in all nine NCAA Tournaments since the event’s inception and has […]
GULF SHORES, Ala. – The No. 8 Florida State beach volleyball team is set to face No. 9 Long Beach State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at 12:00 p.m. ET in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
FSU has earned a spot in all nine NCAA Tournaments since the event’s inception and has reached the National Championship match three times, most recently in 2022.
The Seminoles (25-12) enter the tournament following an appearance in the CCSA Championship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, last weekend. Leading the way are Alexis Durish and Audrey Koenig, who were recently named AVCA First-Team All-Americans. The top pair compiled a 24-8 record this season and solidified their status among the nation’s elite.
Friday’s match marks the 13th all-time meeting between FSU and Long Beach State and their second of the season. The Seminoles lead the series 7-5 and won the previous matchup in March, 3-1.
Long Beach State (27-11) comes in as the Big West Champion, having defeated No. 6 Cal Poly 3-1 in Santa Monica last week. The Beach owns key wins this season over No. 9 Cal, No. 16 Washington, No. 17 Hawai’i, No. 14 Stetson, No. 6 Cal Poly, No. 16 North Florida, and No. 19 FIU.
For more information on the Florida State beach volleyball program, check Seminoles.com and follow us on social media at fsubeachvolleyball (IG) and @FSU_BeachVB (X).
By: Callie Cyr Story Links HANOVER, N.H. – Dartmouth Volleyball Head Coach Kevin Maureen Campbell has announced the addition of five student-athletes as part of the incoming Class of 2029. “We are very excited to welcome this group of highly skilled volleyball players to The Woods and to Dartmouth. They […]
HANOVER, N.H. – Dartmouth Volleyball Head Coach Kevin Maureen Campbell has announced the addition of five student-athletes as part of the incoming Class of 2029.
“We are very excited to welcome this group of highly skilled volleyball players to The Woods and to Dartmouth. They bring talent and deep knowledge of the sport of volleyball and will make an immediate impact to the program on and off the court,” said Campbell.
Zori Brown
5-11 | OH | Pembroke Pines, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas
Before Dartmouth: Four Years varsity in volleyball, Second Team All-County freshman year, First Team All-County junior and senior year, Varsity Offensive Player of the Year junior year, Season MVP senior year, Principal’s Honor Roll every quarter, Two-time state champion, 2025 ACVA All-American Third Team, National Athletic Honor Society, Rho Kappa, National Honor Society, College Board National African American Recognition Award.
Why Dartmouth? “My high school prides themselves on having a tight community. There are many resources for students to succeed as well as a support system of amazing teachers and administrators. I have always wanted to attend a college that valued having a close community. I visited Dartmouth at the beginning of April. As I met and spoke to more students and faculty, I realized how special Dartmouth is. The students all support each other and value one another. Getting the chance to be a part of a community like that would be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Julia York
6-1 | S | Chicago, Ill. | Loyola Academy
Before Dartmouth: Three-year varsity letter winner and senior captain for Loyola Academy volleyball, four-year captain MOD Volleyball Club Blue Elite Team, three-year JVA Class of 2025 Watch List, three-year AVCA Class of 2025 Phenom Watch List, Prep Dig Shooting Star, Under Armour Next Volleyball Camp National Team Tryout Invitee, USVA NTDP Great Lakes Accelerator Invitee, LWC Autumn Nights Invite All-Tournament Team, Adidas President’s Day Classic St. Louis Open Division All-Tournament Team, Milwaukee Grand Slam Open Division All-Tournament Team, National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, Loyola Academy Humanities Dumbach Scholar, AP Scholar.
Why Dartmouth? “There are so many reasons why I chose Dartmouth. However, the two most influential reasons are the volleyball program under the leadership of Coach Kevin Campbell and the launch of Dartmouth Dialogues. I want to play for a school where athletics are supported, celebrated, and competitive and the coaches care about me as a human, not just as an athlete. I want to go to school where the students listen to each other and strive to understand different perspectives. I know in my heart that I will find both at Dartmouth. On the volleyball court and in the classroom, Dartmouth is where I will become the best version of myself.”
Elle McCreery
6-1 | MB | Phoenix, Ariz. | Xavier College Prep
Before Dartmouth:
Four-year volleyball varsity letter, All-Region First Team Recognition, All-Region Honorable Mention Recognition, Tournament MVP at NYC Juniors Collegiate Camp, All-Conference First Team Recognition, USA 18 National Division Champion with Arizona Sky, Named All-Tournament Team Honorable Mention, First Team All-Academic for all four years of high school, Honor Roll every quarter all four years, Student Athlete Scholars Merit Society.
Why Dartmouth? “I chose Dartmouth because of the high academics and the chance to play volleyball. Although the school also drew me in with its tight-knit community, the endless opportunities they provide for students to get involved, the vast alumnae group and aid they give students for the future.”
Riley Imamura
5-11 | OH/RS/MB | Carmel, Calif. | Carmel
Before Dartmouth: Four-year varsity letter winner in volleyball and track & field, All-Monterey County MVP (2024), All-Monterey County First Team (2022, 2023 & 2024), All-Gabilan League MVP (2024), Pacific Coast Athletic League First team (2022, 2023, & 2024), Highest Honor Roll (2021-2025), Top 100 Students (2021-2025).
Why Dartmouth? “I chose Dartmouth because of the unique academic opportunities and the amazing volleyball program. The remarkable sense of community I felt when I visited campus immediately made me feel at home. I know Dartmouth is a place where I will be challenged and supported to grow as an athlete, a student, and a person and I can’t wait for the next four years!”
Annika Roberson
6-2 | OPP | New Orleans, La. | Benjamin Franklin
Before Dartmouth: Three-year Varsity starter, two-time All-State selection, LHSCA All Star, 2024 Division II State Runners Up, Captain, National Merit Finalist, All Academic Composite Volleyball Team, National Honor Society.
Why Dartmouth? “I chose Dartmouth because of its strong sense of community. I attended camp the summer before my senior year of high school and immediately knew that I wanted to spend the next four years in Hanover. What stood out to me most was how genuinely welcoming and supportive everyone was—from the coaches and players to my admissions tour guide and the Dartmouth Coach driver. That spirit of support and camaraderie is woven into the culture at Dartmouth, and it made me confident that I would be joining a place where I could thrive. Dartmouth offers the unique opportunity to pursue both athletic and academic excellence within a supportive environment—one that will challenge me to grow not only as a student-athlete, but also as a person.”
Story Links FORT WORTH – In the second year of the award, Daniela Alvarez received the AVCA Collegiate Beach Player of the Year honor. The award comes after her First Team All-American accolade for the season. Heading into the NCAA tournament, Alvarez has posted 123 career wins during her time at […]
FORT WORTH – In the second year of the award, Daniela Alvarez received the AVCA Collegiate Beach Player of the Year honor. The award comes after her First Team All-American accolade for the season.
Heading into the NCAA tournament, Alvarez has posted 123 career wins during her time at TCU, making her the most winningest individual in the program’s history. With partner Moreno, the two-time AVCA Pair of the Year (2022, 2023) became the winningest pair for TCU after they hit 100 wins together on April 18.
Playing all matches from the No. 1 spot, Alvarez posts a 25-6 record on the season. With Moreno, the two have posted a record of 14-4, and with Hailey Hamlett a record of 10-1 on the season.
Gilk (Champlin Park) and Garr (Rush City) were two of the top senior volleyball prospects in the state last year. Garr was considered the best libero in Minnesota’s high school ranks. The 6-2 Gilk was the No. 1 senior and ranked 27th nationally in the 2025 class. One of the biggest surprises this spring was […]
Gilk (Champlin Park) and Garr (Rush City) were two of the top senior volleyball prospects in the state last year. Garr was considered the best libero in Minnesota’s high school ranks. The 6-2 Gilk was the No. 1 senior and ranked 27th nationally in the 2025 class.
One of the biggest surprises this spring was the 6-5 Taylor, a long and athletic middle blocker from Houston. Middle blocker Lourdès Myers, a graduate transfer from Purdue, was a key addition as well.
“This spring let us know we brought in some good freshmen,” Cook said. “[Myers] has certainly made an impact for us already.”
Top incoming freshman Kelly Kinney from Florida is the 11th-ranked senior in the country. The 6-2 All-America outside hitter won’t join the team until the summer, but Kinney and Taylor will play for Cook on the U.S. U19 team at the world championship in July.
The 6-1 senior from Prior Lake was named a unanimous all-league first-team performer, and she was an honorable mention All-American.
SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS TUESDAY’S RESULTS QUARTERFINALS DIVISION 1 Mira Costa 4, Edison 1 Los Alamitos 4, Santa Margarita 1 Redondo Union 4, San Marcos 1 JSerra 5, San Juan Hills 0 DIVISION 2 South Torrance 3, Crean Lutheran 2 Advertisement Millikan 3, San Clemente 2 Capistrano Valley Christian 3, El Segundo 2 […]
SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
QUARTERFINALS
DIVISION 1
Mira Costa 4, Edison 1
Los Alamitos 4, Santa Margarita 1
Redondo Union 4, San Marcos 1
JSerra 5, San Juan Hills 0
DIVISION 2
South Torrance 3, Crean Lutheran 2
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Millikan 3, San Clemente 2
Capistrano Valley Christian 3, El Segundo 2
Santa Barbara vs. Long Beach Wilson, today at 3 p.m. at Santa Barbara East Beach
DIVISION 3
Campbell Hall 3, Warren 2
Anaheim Canyon 4, Capistrano Valley 1
Long Beach Poly 3, Laguna Blanca 2
Linfield Christian 4, Laguna Hills 1
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
(All matches at 2 p.m. unless noted)
SEMIFINALS
DIVISION 1
Los Alamitos at Mira Costa
Redondo Union at JSerra
DIVISION 2
South Torrance at Millikan
Capistrano Valley Christian vs. Santa Barbara/LB Wilson
DIVISION 3
Campbell Hall at Anaheim Canyon
Long Beach Poly at Linfield Christian
Note: Finals in all divisions Saturday at Long Beach City College.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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