• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Mixed Results for Mobile Gaming Giant After IPO

  • AppLovin raised $2 billion in its IPO.
  • The mobile tech company is valued at $21.5 billion after shares dropped in its market debut.
Mobile Strike/Design: Alex Brooks

AppLovin, the California-based mobile tech company behind over 200 games, raised $2 billion in its IPO, giving the company a brief $28.6 billion valuation.

Then shares fell from a trading debut of $80 and closed at $61 on Friday, lowering the company’s value to $21.5 billion. More than 22.5 million AppLovin shares have been sold.

AppLovin was almost acquired by Chinese private equity firm Orient Hontai Capital for $1.4 billion in 2016, now it makes more than that in a year. 

Before going public, the company generated $1.45 billion in revenue in 2020, a 46% uptick from the year prior. Private equity group KKR purchased a $400 million stake in 2018.

Mobile gaming is on fire right now. In March, “Genshin Impact,” developed and published by Shanghai-based miHoYo, became the fastest mobile game to make $1 billion. Tencent, the Chinese conglomerate behind several top mobile titles, pulled in $73.8 billion last year. 

Now that AppLovin sits at the table of mobile gaming heavyweights, it’s looking to grow.

Earlier this month, the company agreed to acquire mobile measurement and fraud prevention company Adjust for $1 billion in cash and stock, expanding its mobile app ecosystem.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
The cover of the College Football 25 video game.
exclusive

Group That Facilitated NIL Deal for Football Video Game Now Says It’s..

EA offered $1,500 and no royalties; it also deleted an opt-out clause.
Sponsored

Top Esports Athletes Will Compete for National Glory in the Esports Nations..

The new biennial event, starting in 2026, kicks off a monumental next era for esports.

Everything You Need to Know About EA’s Return to College Basketball Video..

There hasn’t been a college basketball game in more than 15 years.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.

Mark Walter Offered a Stake in His WNBA Team. Billie Jean King..

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Makes a Move: Buys 50% Stake in Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
December 14, 2025

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Dec 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) chats with guard Will Richard (3) during the first half at United Center.
December 10, 2025

How a Single Deal Could Turn KKR Into a Sports Powerhouse

KKR and Arctos have been in talks since at least October.
Jul 26, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Shaun White poses for a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower before the Opening Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games.
November 17, 2025

The VC Firm Whose Investors Include Jets, Pacers Ownership Groups

359 Capital is lifting the veil so consumers can see its investors.
Nov 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena.
November 11, 2025

Excel Sports Valued at Nearly $1B in Sale to Goldman Sachs

The talent agency represents Caitlin Clark, Derek Jeter, and more.