• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Another Week, Another League Deal for Genius

BAL/Design: Alex Brooks

Just a month after closing a $1.5 billion SPAC deal to go public, Genius Sports continues to develop its global data ecosystem.

Ahead of its earnings call this Thursday, the London-based company announced that it will begin providing real-time statistics for the NBA’s Basketball Africa League. The sports technology company has a $3.2 billion market capitalization and reported $47 million in revenue in its fiscal Q4 — a 27.6% increase from the same time last year.

All eyes were on the BAL during its inaugural tip-off over the weekend. Rapper J. Cole was trending after making his professional basketball debut with Rwanda Patriots just two days after releasing his sixth studio album, “The Off-Season.”

The NBA’s flagship effort in Africa joins a growing list of organizations Genius has recently partnered with or purchased:

  • May 7: Acquired Second Spectrum for $200 million
  • May 3: Announced it would buy F2P game provider FanHub
  • April 20: Completed a $1.5 billion merger with dMY Technology Group
  • April 2: Announced exclusive NFL rights for $120 million per year in a six-year deal

BAL games will air in 215 countries and territories across ESPN, beIN SPORTS, and NBA TV, among others. Nike and Jordan Brand each produced six uniforms for the league’s 12 teams.

A docuseries on the league’s first season is also under way, directed by South African director Tebogo Malope.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Napheesa Collier
exclusive

WNBA Hasn’t Countered Players’ Latest Offer as Deadline Closes In

The deadline for the sides to reach a labor deal is Friday.
Jul 13, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Darren Cahill and the support team for Jannik Sinner of Italy react during the menÕs singles final on day 14 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert Out at ESPN As Network Revamps Tennis Coverage

Darren Cahill’s future is still up in the air after nearly 20 years at ESPN.
Jan 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) and Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) celebrate during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena.

Winning Gets in the Way of Wizards, Nets Tank Jobs

The NBA recently floated rule changes to curb tanking.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) talks with Yes Network during the winter meetings at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
exclusive

Yankees RSN and Comcast Reach Deal, Preserving Local Access

After nearly a year of acrimony, a new agreement is quietly struck.
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) celebrates a pick six during the second quarter in an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
January 7, 2026

NFL Sees Highest Viewership in More Than 35 Years

The league posts its second-best viewership total on record.
opinion
January 7, 2026

The New Brady Rules: Why NFL QBs Turned TV Talents Are Double-Dipping

Tom Brady started it, and now other NFL TV stars want dual gigs.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
The Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, U.S. November 18, 2025.
January 7, 2026

WBD Rejects Paramount Again

The TNT Sports parent company will continue with its planned Netflix merger.
January 6, 2026

Main Street Sports Crisis Pushes RSN Rights Closer to League Control

The regional sports broadcaster misses another set of scheduled rights payments.
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge (left) interviews Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium.
January 6, 2026

Laura Rutledge Opens Up on Justin Herbert and Viral Sugar Bowl Sprint

“I did not know that anybody was going to be filming that.”
January 6, 2026

From CFP to Non-Playoff Bowls, U.S. Audiences Want Even More CFB

Bowl games across the sport are showing audience increases.