Charlesbank Capital Partners Continues Investment in Learfield Following TPG Acquisition

Firm remains a minority investor in leading college sports media and technology platform

Boston, MA, April 22, 2026 – Charlesbank Capital Partners (“Charlesbank”), a middle-market private investment firm, announced that it will remain a minority investor in Learfield (or the “Company”), the nation’s leading media and technology business powering college athletics, underscoring the firm’s long-term commitment to the business. This continued investment follows Learfield’s recently announced agreement to be acquired by TPG, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

Learfield is a leading commercial platform in global sports and a key driver of monetization across collegiate athletics. The company connects more than 12,000 brands with over 1,200 NCAA Division I institutions, including a majority of programs in the Power Four conferences, through an integrated suite of sponsorship and media solutions, ticketing technology, licensing, NIL strategy and AI-powered data capabilities. Its physical and digital offerings are underpinned by a proprietary dataset built on more than 125 million fan records. The Company has been led by CEO Cole Gahagan since 2019.

Charlesbank began following Learfield more than five years prior to its initial investment, including evaluating a potential acquisition of the company. The firm first invested in Learfield’s first lien loans in 2020 during a period of market dislocation, ultimately becoming the largest holder of that debt. Charlesbank later played a leading role in the company’s 2023 recapitalization, helping to strengthen its balance sheet and market position, while transitioning to the role of equity partner. Charlesbank continued to scale its investment and partner closely with management, providing strategic support, board-level involvement and additional capital to support Learfield’s continued growth and development.

“Learfield has built a unique platform at the center of college sports, and the Company’s performance since the recapitalization reflects the strength of that positioning and the work done alongside management,” said Sandor Hau, Managing Partner and President, Credit at Charlesbank. “As a long-term partner, we’re pleased to continue supporting the next phase of growth alongside Cole, his team and TPG.”

TPG is acquiring Learfield through TPG Capital, the firm’s U.S. and European private equity platform, and TPG Sports, its dedicated investing business focused on sports.

Closing of the transaction is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.