About Us
MZ Sports LLC, a boutique investment bank catering to the sports industry, was formed in 2001. MZ Sports LLC is wholly owned by Mitchell Ziets, a twenty-year industry expert whose background includes public finance, corporate finance, and operational consulting. Mr. Ziets is joined by David Haber, who has experience in structuring stadium and M&A transactions.
MZ Sports' professionals have advised on a number of notable projects and transactions:
- Advised Frank McCourt on the acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers Stadium, and 276 acres of land in Chavez Ravine from Fox Entertainment Group, through a multi-tranche debt structure;
- Assisted the Philadelphia Eagles on its unprecedented structured financing for Lincoln Financial Field, which included an insurance wrap on a commercial paper program with a long-dated swap;
- Developed and implemented the financing plan and negotiated lease terms for the San Diego Padres' new ballpark – Petco Park – a project which has spurred significant real estate development in downtown San Diego;
- Advised Dan Gilbert on the acquisition of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the operating rights to Gund Arena including a complex senior/sub debt structure;
- Implemented a forward swap for the Maryland Stadium Authority that saved $15 million, money that was used to bring football back to Baltimore;
- Crafted the financial structure for Miller Park in Milwaukee which achieved tax-exempt status through the unprecedented use of joint ballpark ownership;
- Advised Henry and Susan Samueli on the acquisition of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks from the Walt Disney Company, a transaction that enabled the buyer to capitalize on synergies between the arena and the team;
- Assisted the Atlanta Falcons in negotiating lease terms with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority that allowed the Falcons to take over sales in the Georgia Dome and resulted in improved economics for both the team and the State.
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