• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 2, 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

Chicago Sky Sell Picks to Protect Team from WNBA Expansion Draft

The Sky will still have three picks in the draft.

McAfee: Masters ‘Told Us to Go to Hell’ on Show Pitch—Three Times

McAfee is a fan of Jason Kelce’s role at Augusta National.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Business as Usual at NFL Network as ESPN Era Begins

There were no noticeable on-air changes for NFL Network on Wednesday.

Why a Furniture Store Is Risking $50M on UConn Basketball

Jordan’s Furniture will refund purchases if both Huskies teams make the final.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
May 7, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino (0) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive

Adam Ottavino Joins Revamped ESPN MLB Lineup

The 15-year MLB vet spent the past four seasons with the Mets.
March 31, 2026

NFL Seeks Buyers for 5 Games, Drops ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders

The league looks at several major changes to its upcoming broadcast schedule.
April 1, 2026

Pegula, WTA Stars Eye Live Podcast Shows at Tournaments

The show hosted by Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys is growing.
Sponsored

Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer Talk Pressure, Benefit of Playing Together

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
Jim Nantz
March 31, 2026

Jim Nantz Faces Backlash for Not Watching Bryson DeChambeau

The lead CBS announcer said he hasn’t tuned in to LIV Golf.
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin warms up for a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
March 31, 2026

Five Things We’re Hearing About Mike Tomlin’s TV Free Agency

Bidding for the ex-Steelers coach could be over by upfronts season.
Canucks
March 31, 2026

Canucks Ban Reporter After Story on Ownership’s Other Business

Trevor Beggs says he was escorted from the arena mid-game.
Jason Kelce ESPN
March 31, 2026

Jason Kelce to Cover Masters Par 3 Contest for ESPN

The ex-Eagles center has landed another golf gig.