ASM Global to Partner with EDGE Sports Group

ASM Global has announced a significant investment in Boston-based Edge Sports Group, as the organization looks to expand its offerings in the youth sports and sports tourism industry.

This investment in Edge comes as ASM Global was awarded the management contract by the County of Henrico in Virginia for the 185,000-square-foot Henrico Sports & Events Center. According to research by the Sports Events & Tourism Association, an estimated 205 million Americans traveled for youth and participatory sports events in 2023, with direct spending of $52 billion.

Founded in 2016 by Brian and Denise DeVellis, Edge Sports owns a portfolio of more than a dozen sports venues in the New England region with ongoing development projects nationally. After the transaction’s close, the company will operate under the banner of Edge Sports Global. Brian DeVellis will continue in his role as president of Edge Sports Global and will lead the team’s growth and expansion efforts moving forward.

“Blending Edge’s expertise in family-oriented athletic facility development and operations with ASM’s international scale and expertise in sports and entertainment is a powerful combination,” DeVellis said. “Edge Sports develops and operates best-in-class venues, and we pride ourselves on cultivating incredible sports experiences for youth and families. The resources and operating network of ASM will only strengthen our now combined efforts, as we continue to rapidly expand our portfolio and innovate the ways in which we serve our clients and communities.”

Edge manages more than 2 million square feet of playing surfaces and tenant spaces including ice hockey, indoor and outdoor turf, hard courts, aquatics and sports performance training facilities. In addition to its sports facilities, Edge Sports currently owns or manages youth sports clubs, academies and camps that total more than 350 teams and 8,000 athletes.

“We see extraordinary synergies with our pre-eminent collection of stadiums and arenas, and collegiate and pro sports partners,” said Ron Bension, ASM Global chief executive officer and president. “ASM venues have hosted four of the past five NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four events and we will host our third consecutive Super Bowl in 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It is a natural fit for ASM to expand more deeply into the youth and community sports sectors, and Edge Sports was the perfect strategic partner.”

Internationally, ASM Global recently announced the long-awaited introduction of Hong Kong’s massive $4 billion Kai Tak sports, entertainment, retail and dining hub.

“Edge Sports represents a unique platform investment for ASM,” said ASM Chief Strategy Officer Nate Whitman. “We see tremendous potential to grow and enhance sponsorship, data, F&B and special events offerings that are core to ASM’s suite of services. We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Brian, Denise and the EDGE Sports team.”