PRESS RELEASE: Legends Global Announces Acquisition of Nations Group to Create Industry-Leading Owner’s Rep Business
Chris Nations Named President, Owner’s Representation for Legends Global
Legends Global announced today that it has acquired Nations Group, an owner’s representation firm for athletic capital facility projects. Nations Group will combine with the project development team at Legends Global to build an industry-leading owner’s rep business with unmatched experience in leading facility development and renovation projects across professional sports, universities, municipalities, museums, and sports leagues. Nations Group Founder and President Chris Nations has been named president, owner’s representation for Legends Global.
“With Chris and his team joining Legends Global, we’re solidifying our position in the fast-changing world of venue development,” said Chad Estis, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Legends Global. “Nations Group has been instrumental in shaping some of the country’s most iconic college football stadiums and has established a strong reputation built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. By combining our strengths, we’re poised to help redefine the next generation of sports and entertainment venues.”
“Joining Legends Global is a significant step forward in expanding our impact across the industry,” said Nations. “As one team, our combined resources, expertise, and experience will allow us to better deliver for our current and future partners. We will continue to do things differently, fully aligning with our partners’ goals to deliver outstanding results that foster long-term success.”
The enhanced owner’s rep service at Legends Global will provide unrivaled expertise in sports and entertainment venue development, design, engineering, and construction management. With a collaborative and responsible approach, they will streamline processes to save time, reduce costs, and lower risks for partners while helping shape the strategic vision of each project. Acting as trusted advisors and brand stewards, they will ensure developments meet community needs, align with broader economic goals, and support long-term revenue targets. For the time being, Nations Group will continue to operate under its existing name. Paula Portz remains in her role as chief operating officer, owner’s representation for Legends Global.
Founded in 2008, Nations Group specializes in project development/finance solutions and project and construction management across collegiate, professional, municipal, and commercial markets. The company has worked with a prominent list of clients, including Oregon State University’s Reser Stadium, Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium, University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium, as well as managing current projects for Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium, Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium, University of Connecticut’s Gampel Pavilion, Louisiana State University’s new arena, the New Augusta Arena in Augusta, Georgia, among others.
The Legends Global project development team has worked on projects of all sizes and scopes with expertise in stadiums, arenas, and large complex projects. They have completed over $12B of projects, including SoFi Stadium, BMO Stadium, Snapdragon Stadium, Lower.com Field, University of Kansas’ David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Rogers Centre renovations, Caesars Superdome renovations, CPKC Stadium, and New Highmark Stadium (opening Fall 2026).
Imperial Capital, LLC and Greenberg Traurig, LLP advised Nations Group on the transaction. New York-based law firm Sterlington PLLC served as legal advisor to Legends Global on the acquisition.