New Private Equity Firm BlackSun Aims to Revolutionize Sports and Media Investments

BlackSun Private Equity, a newly launched private equity firm with a diverse team of principals from the world of politics, sports, and entertainment, is set to make its mark in the industry with its first fund, which has already raised $1 billion in investments.

The firm’s primary goal is to invest in professional sports and franchise ownerships, focusing on community and stakeholder participation. This approach sets BlackSun apart from other private equity firms, which often prioritize profits over community engagement.

One of the firm’s early initiatives is to form a group to bid for the Seattle SuperSonics, a move that could bring the team back to the NBA. BlackSun’s partners include Native World Sports, a platform that aims to advance tribal nation participation across professional sports and entertainment.

BlackSun’s ambitious projects include the creation of the World American Football League, where players would own equity in teams. Additionally, the firm is developing Knockout Fights, a boxing and martial arts platform that offers signed fighters a guaranteed salary, lifetime healthcare coverage, and a retirement pension, supported by a direct share of broadcast and streaming revenue.

The firm was founded by Atonn Muhammad, a former college football player for the Miami Hurricanes and the founder of cable’s Real Hip-Hop Network, which earned him a Billboard cover in 2008. Longtime investment banker Nery Gomez is also a co-founder. Nick Rathod, a seasoned political operative, serves as the firm’s strategy and communications chief. He previously worked in the Obama White House and was involved in Beto O’Rourke’s Texas gubernatorial campaign and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s efforts to set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Managing Director John Godina is a four-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist in the shot put category. He is also the founder of ALTIS, an elite track and field athlete training center in Phoenix. Jason Kidd, Roy Jones Jr., Lawrence Taylor, and Gary Clark are athletes attached as investors and advisors to the firm.

BlackSun’s capital initiatives include a $100 million Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), a $500 million Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) program, and a $750 million acquisition bridge facility. Dubai-based Greenstone Equity Partners is the exclusive global placement agent for BlackSun’s new Mega Fund I, which aims to raise $7 billion. Changa Ingram, the firm’s chief investment officer, previously worked at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for 18 years, providing the firm with a strong connection to Middle East sovereign wealth funds.

BlackSun’s community equity program, managed through fundraising platform DealMaker Securities, will extend participation to a broader base of investors, including fan and community stakeholders. The first campaign, to support the World American Football League, is set to launch in October.

The fund will also explore investments in media and entertainment, intellectual property, fintech, and commercial real estate. With its unique approach and strong team, BlackSun is poised to make a significant impact in the world of private equity investments.

Key Partners and Initiatives:

• Native World Sports: A platform to advance tribal nation participation across professional sports and entertainment.
• World American Football League: A new professional football league where players would own equity in teams.
• Knockout Fights: A boxing and martial arts platform that offers signed fighters a guaranteed salary, lifetime healthcare coverage, and a retirement pension.
• ALTIS: An elite track and field athlete training center in Phoenix founded by Managing Director John Godina.