#66: Shawn Tilger | President, GF Sports & Entertainment

We speak with Shawn Tilger, President of GF Sports and Entertainment, on how private equity is fueling growth in sports and live events through targeted acquisitions, operational excellence, and revenue diversification in tennis, lacrosse, and alternative sports.

With a background spanning over 30 years in sports operations from COO of the Philadelphia Flyers to executive roles across NHL, esports, and events, Shawn explains how GF Sports and Entertainment builds high-margin platforms that scale undervalued assets into global brands. He breaks down how PE transforms scouting talent pipelines, venue monetization, and fan engagement, and why the next decade belongs to hybrid models merging live experiences with digital media.

We also discuss GF’s portfolio powering ATP events like Dallas and Atlanta Opens, NLL’s Ottawa Black Bears, World Long Drive, and debt-backed expansions, the rise of data-driven sports investments, and opportunities in under-monetized markets for family offices. Shawn shares insights on structural gaps in U.S. sports ecosystems, synergies with institutional capital, and the vision for a PE-fueled entertainment powerhouse.

Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.

To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com