Thursday, July 23, 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

Los Angeles Sparks's Kelsey Plum (10) guards Las Vegas Aces' A’ja Wilson (22) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, during the WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

WNBA All-Star Game Ticket Prices Exceed $200, Sellout Expected

SeatGeek is seeing order volume three times higher compared to last year.
Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups exits the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse after a hearing on illegal gambling schemes, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Chauncey Billups Continues Push for Speedy Poker Trial

Prosecutors are seeking a delay, while Billups pushes for a November trial.
May 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) follows through on a jump shot against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at College Park Center.
First at FOS

WNBA Union Increases All-Star Prize Money Even With New CBA

The 3-Point Contest winner will take home $70,000.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/23/26 – SEC Breakaway Talks, Bezos Eyes Liverpool, Miami’s LeBron Error

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Peacock Turns Profit 6 Years After Launch—With World Cup Bump

The streaming service reached a long-awaited “milestone.”
Jul 19, 2026; Southport, ENG; Ryan Fox holds the Claret Jug after winning the The Open Championship golf tournament, as he is interviewed by NBC’s Mike Tiroco at Royal Birkdale.
July 22, 2026

All Four Golf Majors Saw TV Ratings Spike This Year

Sunday was The Open’s most-watched final round since 2022.
July 23, 2026

Will World Cup Lead to More Afternoon Games?

The historic World Cup success shows a new approach to scheduling.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 22, 2026

Trail Blazers Slash Broadcast Team As Dundon Keeps Cutting Costs

The majority of Portland’s broadcast team has been laid off.
Cam Newton and Ryan Clark share a laugh during ESPN First Take at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
July 22, 2026

5 Takeaways From ESPN’s Latest Layoffs

Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, and Karl Ravech were among those laid off.
July 22, 2026

Jays, Leafs Owner to Put Stake in Sports Empire Up for Sale

The dominant Canadian entity continues to make large-scale moves.
July 21, 2026

World Cup Final Averaged More Than 66 Million Viewers

The final posted the largest U.S. television audience since the Super Bowl.