Mellody Hobson News: Ariel Investments Launches Project Level to Empower Women’s Sports

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Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, announces the launch of Project Level, a private investment vehicle aimed at boosting women’s sports. The initiative seeks to capitalize on the growing interest in women’s sports, with diversified investments in teams, leagues, and related businesses.

Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, has made a significant announcement with the launch of Project Level, a new venture designed to elevate women’s sports. This initiative is part of Ariel’s broader strategy to invest in underappreciated asset classes, leveraging the company’s experience in the sports industry.
Project Level aims to harness the growing talent, fandom, and media interest in women’s sports. The venture will invest in professional and emerging sports teams and leagues, as well as junior and college sports opportunities. This includes related businesses that contribute to the global expansion of women’s sports. By doing so, Project Level seeks to generate compelling financial returns by capitalizing on the underappreciated growth and value embedded in women’s sports.
Ariel Investments has a long history in the sports industry, with investments in entities like Madison Square Garden and Manchester United. Mellody Hobson herself has been personally invested in the WNBA’s Chicago Sky since 2005. The team behind Project Level includes experienced professionals like Emma Rodriguez-Ayala, who will oversee the day-to-day operations, and Asrat Alemu, who brings expertise from McKinsey.
The launch of Project Level is not only about financial returns but also about empowering women and society. It represents a significant opportunity to bring Ariel’s experience, relationships, and insights to a nascent asset class, driving profits while directly benefiting women and society.


1. What is Project Level?
Answer: Project Level is a private investment vehicle launched by Ariel Investments to capitalize on the growing interest in women’s sports.

2. What are the main goals of Project Level?
Answer: The main goals are to accelerate growth in women’s sports through diversified investments and significant ownership stakes, generating compelling financial returns.

3. Who is leading the Project Level team?
Answer: The team includes experienced professionals like Emma Rodriguez-Ayala and Asrat Alemu, with Mellody Hobson serving as chief fundraiser and head cheerleader.

4. What is Ariel Investments’ history in the sports industry?
Answer: Ariel Investments has a long history in the sports industry, with investments in entities like Madison Square Garden and Manchester United, and personal investments by Mellody Hobson in the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

5. What is the significance of Project Level beyond financial returns?
Answer: Project Level aims to empower women and society by driving profits while directly benefiting women and society, representing a significant opportunity to bring Ariel’s experience and insights to a nascent asset class.


Mellody Hobson’s announcement of Project Level marks a significant step in the investment world, leveraging Ariel Investments’ experience to elevate women’s sports. This initiative not only seeks financial returns but also aims to empower women and society, making it a groundbreaking venture in the sports industry.


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