Varshney will oversee the NFL’s venture investment activity through 32 Equity as the league explores a broader role in strategic investing, media and technology-led growth initiatives.
Sumit Varshney has joined the National Football League as senior vice-president, corporate strategy and strategic investments. The role includes overseeing the league’s investment activities through its 32 Equity investment arm.
Founded in 2013 with contributions of roughly $1m from each franchise, 32 Equity serves as the NFL’s collective investment vehicle for sports, media and technology-related startups and projects.
Varshney takes over from Dhruv Prasad who left for the PGA Tour in September 2025. He will report to NFL chief financial officer Christine Dorfler who assumed responsibility for the division after former chief media and business officer Brian Rolapp departed in 2025. He will oversee Manpal Arora and Will Deng as part of the league’s corporate strategy and investment team.
Varshney was previously senior vice-president, corporate development and strategy at Warner Music Group where he led mergers and acquisitions and investment activity. Prior to that, he held strategy and corporate development roles at Spotify, Revel and Fluidity.
Varshney’s appointment comes at a point where sports organisations are increasingly formalising venture and strategic investment operations to gain exposure to technology, fan engagement and adjacent media businesses.
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Oishani Mitra
Oishani Mitra is the content manager for Global Corporate Venturing.
