Thursday, April 30, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Wizards guard John Wall looks on before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

John Wall Joins Howard As President of Basketball Operations

Wall has already weighed in on the Bison’s roster.

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6 million viewers.
Kalshi's logo is displayed on a smartphone placed on a reflective surface onto which a betting curve is projected in Creteil, France, on March 9, 2026, during a major scandal and a $54 million lawsuit concerning bets related to recent strikes in Iran. (Photo by Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE

CFTC: ‘Biggest Issue Is Manipulation’ in Sports Event Contracts

Michael Selig says his agency is in talks with “all the major sports leagues.”

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.
WWE NXT
exclusive
April 28, 2026

WWE Moving 20 NXT Premium Live Events to The CW

The deal includes 20 events over the next several years.
April 27, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Slips 3% Despite Faster First Round

The offseason showcase has a surprising dip in its initial audience.