NFL defensive tackle Sheldon Day’s interest in Silicon Valley investments led to the founding of the Players Company, an educational and investment platform for professional athletes and accredited investors. Together with teammate Richard Sherman and performance therapist Tom Zheng, Day sought to provide financial education and investment opportunities for athletes who may not have guaranteed contracts or long playing careers. The company recently announced a partnership with Mogul Club, a real estate investment firm focused on single-family rental properties across the United States.
The partnership with Mogul Club marks the Players Company’s first venture into real estate, adding to its existing portfolio of venture capital investments in startups. The company offers free educational resources and investment opportunities to its members, who are not required to pay a fee to join or invest in offerings. By democratizing access to real estate and other investment opportunities, the Players Company aims to empower athletes and accredited investors to make informed financial decisions that will last beyond their playing careers.
The Players Company, which initially focused on NFL players before expanding to other professional athletes, has now opened membership to company founders and accredited investors as well. With approximately 1,200 members, the company expects to attract more accredited investors due to their larger numbers compared to professional athletes. The company’s educational resources include defining financial terms and providing investment opportunities sourced from established venture capital funds.
Mogul Club, founded by Alex Blackwood and Joey Gumataotao, leverages their experience in real estate private equity at Goldman Sachs to invest in single-family rental properties primarily in the Sunbelt region. The fund launched with the Players Company aims to raise $5 million in equity for $15 million of investments in markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Nashville. Players Company members can invest in the fund or individual properties with a minimum investment of $25,000, providing them with monthly dividends and access to a tracking portal.
Unlike traditional fund sponsors that require long lock-up periods, the Players Company offers liquidity options for its members, allowing them to sell their stake after a year with minimal fees. Blackwood emphasizes the democratization of investment opportunities, applying their training from Goldman Sachs to provide access to the masses in the single-family rental asset class. The Players Company plans to expand further into the real estate sector and potentially explore other investment classes in the future, such as franchising with car washes or fitness centers.
Overall, the Players Company aims to empower its members to make educated financial decisions and provide a safe space for discussions and questions. With a focus on education and empowerment, the company’s partnership with Mogul Club represents a step towards fulfilling its mission of supporting athletes and accredited investors in building sustainable wealth. The vision set forth by Day in 2019 continues to guide the company in creating a supportive community where members can engage in meaningful discussions and make informed investment choices.
