Thursday, October 15, 2026

KKR Eyes Blockchain Gaming with Potential Animoca Investment

  • Private equity firm KKR is in talks to buy into blockchain gaming company Animoca Brands.
  • Animoca created the metaverse platform “The Sandbox.”
Animoca-Brands-KKR-Sandbox
Animoca Brands/Design: Alex Brooks

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Metaverse-focused gaming and investment firm Animoca Brands is closing in on a major boost from private equity firm KKR.

KKR is in talks to lift Animoca’s latest funding round to $500 million from $359 million at a $5.4 billion valuation.

Animoca created the metaverse platform “The Sandbox” and blockchain-based game “Olympic Games Jam: Beijing 2022.” It has investments in Fan Controlled Football and NBA Top Shot.

  • The round, announced in January, was led by Liberty City Ventures and included the Winklevoss twins and investor George Soros.
  • Animoca raised $88.8 million at a $1 billion valuation in May 2021.
  • It is already eyeing another funding round this year at a $10 billion valuation.

The TL;DR on KKR

The New York-based investment firm is in the midst of a complex bid for Italian telecommunications giant Telecom Italia, which holds Serie A broadcast rights.

It has recently loaded up on fitness investments, buying European cycling company Accell Group NV in January for $1.8 billion and taking on a $396 million stake in PureGym the previous month.

In September, it sold off its $852 million stake in Academy Sports.

Earlier this month, it announced an investment in high school sports media and technology company PlayOn! Sports.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA Instagram Apparently Hacked, Briefly Promotes Memecoin

The post, part of an apparent hack, was taken down.
Exclusive

SportsGrid Up for Sale Amid Revenue Slide

Bankers have been pitching suitors since this summer.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/14/26 – Live From FOS’s Tuned In: Chris Berman on NFL’s 18-Game Push, Pablo Torre Says He’s Investigating LeBron’s Chopper, and More

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
UFL co-owner Mike Repole speaks to the crowd as the UFL franchise Louisville Kings are introduced at Lynn Family Stadium. Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.
October 6, 2026

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
October 8, 2026

Filing Details Jeanie Buss’s Side Deal to Remain Lakers Governor

Jeanie Buss was granted five years as team governor.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2026 Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the race
Exclusive
September 24, 2026

Dolphins Owner Nearing Deal to Sell 20% Stake in Miami F1 Race

Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Grand Prix since 2021.
Drew Weatherford
September 23, 2026

Former FSU QB Drew Weatherford Says PE Can Fix Youth Sports

Weatherford tells FOS what’s ailing the youth sports industrial complex.
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

LeBron James Polymarket Deal Worth $15 Million a Year

James is not an investor in Polymarket, just an endorser.
Ndamukong Suh
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh: ‘I Don’t Necessarily Agree’ With PE in Youth Sports

“They’re always gonna be looking for those returns.”