Sports Performance Hub (SPH), the mixed-use development planned for Homestead, Florida, has secured a strategic investment from Bahrain-based ME&F Holdings, led by global sports executive Faris Al-Kooheji.

The investment marks the completion of SPH's Phase 1 investment round, advancing planning and development of one of the most ambitious integrated sports and education developments in the United States, with 54 acting as the project's exclusive strategic sports, media and entertainment adviser.

Faris Al-Kooheji is recognised as one of Bahrain's leading business and sports executives, with a track record spanning investment, sports infrastructure, hospitality and institutional development across the Middle East.

In addition to his private-sector leadership, he serves as Secretary General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, as a member of the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia where he also serves as Chair of the Media Committee, and as a member of the Advisory Board to the President of World Aquatics.

His combination of executive leadership, institutional influence and international relationships brings significant strategic value and global credibility to SPH as the platform advances into its next phase of development.

The investment further strengthens a project designed to bring together elite sport, education, live entertainment and real estate within a single institutional platform.

Planned as more than a 90-acre development, SPH will integrate a multi-sport academy, a 10,000-seat stadium, college-preparatory education, state-of-the-art training facilities, specialized health services & wellness, a 150-room hotel and residential and commercial real estate into a purpose-built campus designed to serve athletes, students, visitors and the wider community.

SPH is expected to generate approximately 4,300 construction jobs and more than 600 permanent positions, while supporting tourism, community programming and broader economic activity in Homestead and throughout South Florida.

The development is supported by a distinguished founding and leadership group spanning global sport, media and investment. Collectively, the group includes Super Bowl and NBA champions, an Olympic gold medalist and a former ATP top-10 player, alongside experienced operators in sports management, media rights, real estate and large-scale investments.

"I'm proud to welcome Faris to our family of Founding Partners," said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Co-Founder of SPH.

"South Florida has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic global hubs for sports, entertainment and investment, and we believe Homestead is uniquely positioned to play a meaningful role in that evolution. Faris brings an extraordinary combination of international leadership, strategic vision and global relationships that will further strengthen the platform we are building."

Jed Moore, Co-Founder of 54, said: "SPH is led by individuals who have won at the highest level of global sport and understand what elite development truly requires. That credibility defines this platform, and it is precisely what attracted a partner of Faris Al-Kooheji's calibre.

"His record across international sport governance and investment brings a dimension that strengthens SPH's standing with global institutions. South Florida offers cultural depth, sporting energy and global relevance to support something enduring. This founding partnership is an important milestone, but more importantly it validates the vision behind the project and provides a strong foundation for what comes next."

Nowtash Alsafar, of 54, added: "South Florida has established itself as one of the most active sports markets in the United States, with year-round elite competition and significant global visibility. Demand for high-performance education environments continues to grow in parallel.

"A campus that integrates sport, academics and live entertainment in this market is directly aligned with long-term structural trends across both sectors. Faris's commitment reflects the quality of the opportunity and the strength of the long-term vision behind the project."

Four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili, Co-Founder of Sports Performance Hub, said: "I have been fortunate to be part of teams that built something lasting. Not just through talent, but through teamwork, environment and culture. That is exactly what we are creating at SPH.

"South Florida is the right place for it. The infrastructure, the diversity and the competitive energy of the city all serve what we are trying to build. This first strategic investment is an important step and I am proud of what this project represents."

Further announcements regarding SPH's Phase 1 delivery timeline, strategic partnerships and development components are expected in the coming months.