• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

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

Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the 2025 MLB World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Manfred Defends MLB Prop-Bet Rules As Congress Turns Up Heat

The commissioner said recent rules changes “strike the right balance.”

MLB Finalizes Short-Term TV Rights Deals, Adds NBC and Netflix

MLB reworked its ESPN deal, made new ones with NBC and Netflix.
Steph Curry

Steph Curry Is Free to Stop Wearing Under Armour Shoes in Games

A source tells FOS Curry can stop sporting UA—even in games.

Featured Today

Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.
November 19, 2025

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
November 18, 2025

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.
Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena
November 18, 2025

NCAA-CHL Rule Change Has Already Shaken Up Hockey

Inside how leagues feel a year since the announcement.
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field.
opinion

NFL Refs Are Ruining the TV Experience

The Eagles–Lions game was just the latest example of bad calls.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
November 17, 2025

YouTube TV Gains Full ESPN DTC Access in Far-Reaching Deal

ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service will be integrated into YouTube TV.
Michelle Smallmon
November 18, 2025

How ESPN Radio’s Michelle Smallmon Bet on Herself and Won

After the pandemic, she felt “something was missing.”
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
November 17, 2025

Sinclair-Scripps Deal Would Forge Another Sports Giant on Free TV

Sinclair looks to join in the growing wave of industry consolidation.
November 14, 2025

Disney and Google Strike Deal to End ESPN YouTube TV Blackout

ESPN returns to the service in time for college football on Saturday.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) and defensive lineman Keon Keeley (31) during the second quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 14, 2025

College Football Viewership Increases Taper Off

A torrid viewership start to the season has slowed down in recent weeks.
The NBC Sports broadcast team works Michigan State's football game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
November 14, 2025

NBC Sports, Versant Bring Back Old Sports Media Brands

NBC Sports Network and USA Sports are back in new forms.