Detroit's Game-Changing Sports Hub: Motown Sports Group Holdings Accelerates Major Venue Development with New Board Leadership

Strategic Expansion Underway at Motown Sports Group Holdings

Motown Sports Group Holdings has made a significant move to strengthen its leadership team, welcoming Joe F. Martinez to its Board of Directors as of February 25th, 2025. This appointment signals accelerated progress for one of the most ambitious sports and entertainment projects in the Midwest—a transformative development poised to reshape the Detroit metro region.

The proposed facility represents far more than a venue; it’s an economic catalyst. Located in Romulus, Michigan, just off I-94 and directly across from Detroit Metropolitan Airport—which handles 36 million annual flights—the project will introduce 2,700 new jobs over three years and inject over $1.4 billion in construction capital into the local economy. When operational, it’s expected to deliver more than $1.5 billion in long-term community value.

A Veteran Executive Brings Three Decades of Corporate Finance Experience

Martinez brings decades of executive pedigree to the table. His track record spans investment banking at Fortune 500 companies like IBM and Xerox, venture capital work in Silicon Valley, and founding multiple public companies that achieved successful exits. He previously established the technology practice at a national investment banking firm and founded an investment banking company later sold to E*TRADE (now Morgan Stanley).

His current roles include CEO of Apple iSports, an international sportsbook and fantasy sports venture, and Chief Investment Officer of a real estate investment fund. Additionally, he serves as board member at Paramount Bank in Missouri, a Minority Depository Institution designated by the FDIC, and chairs Kiva Capital Group—a firm dedicated to serving underserved Native American and rural communities.

Beyond corporate achievements, Martinez brings public sector credibility. He served as both an Investment Commissioner and Planning Commissioner for the City of Irvine, roles that helped facilitate the city’s transformational Great Park development—a 500+ acre mixed-use complex featuring sports stadiums, hockey rinks, soccer fields, and concert venues.

A Venue Built for Scale

The Motown Sports Group Holdings facility design reflects ambition: a 10,000-seat arena, 12 basketball courts, indoor football and soccer fields, a major indoor surf and waterpark, golf facilities, three hotels, fitness centers, technology hubs, retail spaces, and four hockey rinks. The vision targets families and youth travel sports organizations—a growing market segment.

The timing aligns with significant industry expansion. The youth travel sports market is projected to expand from $19 billion annually to $77.6 billion by 2026, representing explosive growth potential. The Motown facility is positioned to capture substantial market share as one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment destinations in America.

Timeline and Operational Partnership

Construction is expected to conclude by 2027. Motown Sports Group Holdings has partnered with JLL (NYSE: JLL), a Fortune 500 real estate firm managing $20.8 billion in annual revenue across 80+ countries, as project manager. ASM Global—the world’s leading entertainment venue operator managing over 400 prestigious venues across five continents—will serve as operating management partner.

The City of Romulus Planning Commission unanimously approved the conceptual site plan on March 19, 2024, providing regulatory certainty for the development.

Looking Ahead

For Founder, Chairman & CEO Kenneth Bardwell, the Martinez appointment represents validation of the project’s strategic vision and commercial viability. The executive team has successfully navigated years of site selection and planning challenges, emerging with what they believe will become a regional destination reshaping the Detroit metro economy.

With operational expertise, corporate finance depth, and proven ability to execute large-scale developments, Motown Sports Group Holdings continues building momentum toward what industry observers view as a potentially transformative regional investment.