• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 27, 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

WNBA
exclusive

WNBA Players Divided Over CBA Approach at Heated Meeting

Fractures are beginning to show among the players.

Mat Ishbia’s All-Star Weekend Offer Faces Several Major Hurdles

Mark Cuban tells FOS a similar pitch was rejected by the league.
Mar 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter (34) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Banned NBA Player Jontay Porter Signs With Upstart USBL

Porter was banned from the NBA for gambling violations in 2024.
May 19, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a TNT court broadcast camera before game seven between the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Loss of NBA Felt in WBD’s Latest Earnings

The loss of live rights created near-term headwinds in advertising revenue.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., makes a point during her town hall Saturday at Nevins Hall in Framingham's Memorial Building, Feb. 22, 2025. Warren discussed her thoughts on the Trump administration's recent actions and how she plans to fight back against policies that she feels hurt Massachusetts families.

WBD-Paramount Deal Sets Up Partisan Regulatory Fight

The landmark media merger will be at the heart of a political battle.
February 26, 2026

Apple’s Big Bet on F1 Is About More Than Streaming

The technology giant also strikes a unique content collaboration with Netflix.
The broadcast studio and pundits on the Paramount+ series, 'Inside The NFL'.
February 26, 2026

Paramount Wins Battle For WBD As Netflix Drops Out

The streaming giant bows out of the high-stakes race.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
February 25, 2026

Paramount Says WBD Deal Would Help CBS Turnaround

The CBS Sports parent company lauds its NFL and UFC programming.
Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
February 25, 2026

F1 CEO Defends Apple Leap: ‘Bigger’ Reach With ‘Other People’

F1 believes it’s making up for what it’s losing in reach elsewhere.
February 24, 2026

U.S. Gold-Medal Game Draws 20.7M Viewers for NBC, a Morning Record

The gold-medal hockey game draws an NFL-like audience.
Jan 4, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; TNT sportscaster Marv Albert looks on before a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
February 24, 2026

Family Business: Marv Albert Marvels at Son Kenny’s Gold Medal TV Performance

“He was tremendous,” Marv Albert says of his son’s career-defining performance.