# Phoenix Sports Partners

Phoenix Sports Partners is an Asset Manager based in Chicago, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Asset Manager
- **Headquarters:** Chicago, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Chicago, IL, United States
- **Founded:** 2017
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** phnxsports.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-sports-partners

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Phoenix Sports Partners is an investment and operating company invested in disruptive technologies, services, and platforms targeting the sports market. It is a growth conduit specializing in sports tech and data, and more than an investment fund or venture capital firm. It takes a partnership-driven approach, working with entrepreneurs and providing expertise, connections, and capital to accelerate portfolio company growth. It applies a buy-and-build strategy and owns, controls, or invests in disruptive technology and services companies targeting youth, collegiate and professional sports.

## Sectors

- Sports Tech & Data
- Media & Entertainment

## People

- Bob Barnett — Fundraising and deal activities lead
- Kevin Murray — Deal negotiation and structure lead
- Michael Kenney — Board member and senior advisor
- Steve Hollis — Financial management lead
- Len Lillard — Board member
- Alice Luo — Investment, research, finance, and accounting support

## Questions

### What is the relationship between Phoenix Sports Partners and Wexford Capital Partners?

Bob Barnett, who leads fundraising and deal activities at Phoenix, is the founder of Wexford Capital Partners. Kevin Murray, who manages deal negotiation at Phoenix, is also a Partner at Wexford. The two firms share key personnel and an investment platform, with Phoenix operating as a specialized sports tech conduit under that umbrella.

### How does Phoenix Sports Partners differ from a traditional venture capital firm?

Phoenix describes itself as an operating company rather than a fund. It takes a partnership-driven approach, providing expertise, connections, and capital directly to portfolio companies, then applying a buy-and-build strategy to drive scalable growth and profitability. This contrasts with the typical VC model of passive minority investments.

### What sports levels does Phoenix target through its investments?

The firm explicitly targets companies operating across youth, collegiate, and professional sports. Its portfolio company Atavus, for example, certifies coaches and provides tackle consulting at multiple levels of the game.

### Does Phoenix Sports Partners have a dedicated technology focus?

Yes. The firm specializes in sports technology and data, investing in disruptive technologies, services, and platforms that offer technology-driven strategies and solutions for the sports market.

### Who are the key investment decision-makers at Phoenix?

Bob Barnett leads fundraising and deal sourcing, while Kevin Murray handles deal negotiation and structure. Michael Kenney and Len Lillard serve as board members and senior advisors, contributing to strategic direction. The firm does not publicly disclose an investment committee structure.

## Related profiles

- [Phoenix Rising Investment Group](https://altss.com/profile/phoenix-rising-investment-group)
- [Phoenix Strategy Investments](https://altss.com/profile/phoenix-strategy-investments)

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Last updated: 2026-08-11T15:07:49.000Z

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