Morgan Stanley is introducing an index that tracks the performance of sports teams.

• Morgan Stanley is launching a portfolio for investors linked to the top sports leagues.
• The sports investment opportunity will require a minimum of $250,000 and is targeted towards high net worth sports fans.
• Over the past decade, valuations for sports have increased rapidly, making them an increasingly popular and valuable asset class.

A portfolio for investors tied to the most prominent sports leagues is being introduced.

The wealth management division of an investment bank launched a Parametric Custom Core Sports League strategy on Thursday. This portfolio targets high net worth sports fans and offers the opportunity to invest in a curated index of companies with strong sponsorship, media, and advertising ties to the most prominent sports leagues.

There is a $250,000 investment minimum to participate.

The growing popularity of sports as an asset class has led to skyrocketing valuations over the past decade. As a result, many people are interested in getting involved, but most Americans find it financially unattainable to own a pro sports team. Morgan Stanley aims to change this by providing opportunities for investment in sports teams.

A Morgan Stanley client inspired the creation of a portfolio featuring companies that support a particular sport.

"Sandra Richards, managing director and head of Morgan Stanley's Global Sports and Entertainment Division, stated that there was a significant opportunity to invest in sports as a fan looking to get engaged, as represented by this one person."

The portfolio will contain between 250 and 400 large-cap U.S. equities from companies that are commonly seen in major sporting events, tickers, or advertisements.

Morgan Stanley says the portfolio will mimic the risk characteristics of the

The bank, with $516 billion in assets under management, will utilize Nielsen Sports as its data source to monitor the activity, expenditure, and exposure of companies in professional sports leagues.

"Richards stated that the demand from clients inquiring about sports investment methods will persist."