SAMAA ACQUIRES ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA FALCONS, SIGNALLING MAJOR NEW INVESTMENT IN THE NATION
Private equity family office marks its entry into professional sport with acquisition of CPL franchise, pledging long-term commitment to Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons today announced a change of ownership, with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise acquired by SAMAA, a private equity family office trust, in a deal that represents a significant new vote of confidence in Antigua and Barbuda as a destination for investment.
The acquisition marks SAMAA's first venture into professional sport and its first investment in the Caribbean sporting industry. The trust, which has built a track record across real estate development, growth sector investments, and technology, said the Falcons purchase reflects a deliberate decision to put long-term capital behind Antigua and Barbuda specifically, rather than treating the franchise as a stand-alone sports asset.
"SAMAA views this franchise not simply as a sports asset, but as a cultural cornerstone," the trust said in a statement. "The trust is fully committed to building a world-class sporting brand that the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and the wider Caribbean, can carry with pride."
SAMAA describes itself as a family office trust built on a foundation of resilience, integrity, and purposeful growth, guided since its founding by a commitment to "doing good while doing well." Having established itself across real estate, growth sectors, and innovative technology projects, the trust said professional sport represents a natural next step and a long-held ambition.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the change of ownership is expected to bring benefits well beyond the boundary. SAMAA has signalled that it intends to use the franchise as a platform for local economic development, including the creation of talent pathways for young Antiguan and Barbudan cricketers, expanded local employment tied to the team's operations, and sustained investment in community programmes.
Corporate social responsibility sits at the centre of SAMAA's plans. The trust has stated that it will prioritise youth empowerment, social upliftment, and local development initiatives through the Falcons, and intends to work directly with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board, and other regional stakeholders to ensure the franchise's growth translates into tangible opportunity for citizens of the twin-island nation.
"Through the Antigua CPL franchise, the trust intends to merge its business acumen with its philanthropic drive, creating local talent pathways and supporting long-term economic growth," SAMAA said. "SAMAA looks forward to working closely with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, local cricket boards, and regional stakeholders to build a lasting legacy of excellence and shared opportunity."
The CPL welcomed the change of ownership, noting that sustained private investment of this kind strengthens the league's franchises and deepens their roots in the communities they represent.
Further details on SAMAA's plans for the Falcons, including leadership appointments and community programming, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
