• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
exclusive
Asset Class

Backer of SlamBall, Ballers Armed With $150M for New Fund

The fund intends to target businesses in online gaming, prediction markets, and sports media.

Ballers in Philadelphia
Ballers in Philadelphia. (Courtesy: Ballers)

Venture capital firm Sharp Alpha Advisors has previously put money into sports-themed social clubs Ballers and Poolhouse, as well as SlamBall—the full-contact basketball-football hybrid played on trampolines. 

Now, armed with a fresh $150 million to deploy over the next two years, the firm intends to target consumer-facing businesses in online gaming, prediction markets, sports media, and more. The new fund will use an investment structure distinct from Sharp Alpha’s previous funds, Front Office Sports has learned. 

The fund, Sharp Alpha UA Fund I, will offer “non-dilutive” capital, or deals that don’t involve portfolio companies giving up equity, a spokesperson for the firm tells FOS. The idea is that the fund will find companies that are either profitable or close to breaking even and are ripe for customer growth. Following the investment, Sharp Alpha will recoup its money from the revenue generated by new customers it helped bring in.

The $150 million comes from a “large institutional partner,” although the spokesperson declined to say who it is at this time. Sharp Alpha is not seeking additional investor funds for now. The fund will be managed by Sharp Alpha’s Lloyd Danzig, alongside a group of individuals who come from areas like direct lending, institutional credit, quantitative finance, and consumer growth equity.

Individual investments will range between $4 million and $30 million, with the potential for additional investment once a relationship has been established. The fund will focus on businesses based in the U.S., even if those companies generate their revenue elsewhere in the world. In addition to online gaming, prediction markets and sports media, the fund will target investments in areas like e-commerce, health and wellness, and interactive entertainment.

The new fund comes a few months after Sharp Alpha co-led a $20 million investment into Ballers, which describes itself as a “first-of-its-kind hospitality-driven social sports venue.” That investment round also featured athletes like tennis legend Andre Agassi, NBA star Tyrese Maxey, and MLS goalkeeper Maarten Paes. The flagship Ballers location, in Philadelphia’s Turbine Hall, opened last month.

This represents the third fund under the Sharp Alpha umbrella, although the first two funds provided target companies with equity checks. 

In addition to Ballers, Poolhouse, and SlamBall, Sharp Alpha has invested in Jackpot.com, which allows consumers to buy state lottery tickets using an app, as well as GridRival, a fan engagement platform for motorsports, and micro-betting company Kero Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Some ESPN Producers Fed Up With McAfee’s ‘Diva’ Behavior: Sources

The “College GameDay” host has powerful allies.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025
exclusive

Diego Pavia Is Trying to Kill NCAA JUCO Eligibility Rules for Good

Vandy’s QB is amending his own lawsuit to encompass all NCAA athletes.
draftkings
exclusive

DraftKings Is Paying Up to $250M for Prediction-Market Railbird

The deal was announced Tuesday, but financials weren’t disclosed.
Marc Stein
exclusive

Marc Stein Joins Amazon NBA Coverage

The role resembles one Chris Mortensen did for Amazon’s NFL broadcasts.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags From Free Fall?

The NFL star joined an activist investor in pushing for change.
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees smiles prior to the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome.
October 21, 2025

Drew Brees Flag Football League Sells to PE Amid Youth Boom

Football ‘N’ America operates 24 flag football leagues across the country.
Sep 25, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics lead owner and governor Bill Chisholm speaks during a press conference at Auerbach Center.
October 22, 2025

The NBA’s Expanding Private-Equity Footprint

There is a PE connection of some kind for 20 of 30 teams.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Jason Belzer
October 17, 2025

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Jon Ledecky
October 17, 2025

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.
Dave Checketts
October 17, 2025

Ex-Knicks President: When David Stern Accused Me of Skirting Cap

The Knicks walked away clean when accused of cap circumvention in the 1990s.
Mat Ishbia
October 14, 2025

Mat Ishbia Countersues Suns Minority Owners in Transparency Fight

He claims two minority partners are manufacturing a “contrived legal drama.”