New York-based private investment platform Patricof Co (P/Co) has made a strategic investment in IMG Academy, a renowned global sports education institution. Over 50 athlete clients of P/Co, including notable names such as Dak Prescott, Michelle Wie West, Jason Kelce, CC Sabathia, Justin Jefferson, and Steve Kerr, participated in this unique investment opportunity.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys emphasized the distinctive nature of the investment, stating, “This isn’t your average investment and IMG Academy isn’t your average prep school.” Prescott highlighted the visionary approach of IMG Academy towards its students, expressing admiration for the institution’s commitment to the education and athletic development of the current and next generation of student-athletes. Prescott found the investment decision with Patricof Co to be a “no-brainer.”
Mark Patricof, founder and CEO of P/Co, expressed pride in the investment in IMG Academy, citing the institution’s nearly four decades of academic and athletic success. He commended IMG Academy for making strategic decisions in the rapidly evolving sports education industry and ensuring that students, both on-campus and online, have access to top-tier educational, life skills, and athletic resources.
IMG Academy has been in the spotlight in 2023, with significant milestones both on and off the field. Notable events include the acquisition by EQT, a transformative partnership with Nord Anglia Education, recognition as a top-three contender for the world’s best school prize, and national championships in baseball, football, and soccer. The institution has also achieved academic excellence, with three National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, a perfect score in the AP Macroeconomics exam, and 77 AP Scholars.
Brent Richard, CEO of IMG Academy, outlined the institution’s purpose to empower student-athletes to “win their future” and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Patricof Co and its athlete investors. Richard looks forward to collaborating with the new athlete-owners to enhance the experiences of student-athletes both on-campus and online.
IMG Academy, situated on a 600-acre campus in Bradenton, Fla., is a premier preparatory school hosting over 1,400 students from more than 40 countries. The institution supports the entire student-athlete development journey through its boarding school, sports camps, online coaching via IMG Academy+, and online college recruiting with NCSA College Recruiting. As a leader in the sports education market, IMG Academy played a role in placing more than 30,000 students into college sports rosters in 2022.
