Sunday, October 18, 2026

Bucks Owner Dinan Launches SPAC, Eyes Team Acquisition

  • Milwaukee Bucks’ co-owner Jamie Dinan launched a SPAC that intends to acquire a sports-related company.
  • The SPAC could target a sports franchise.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA Today/Design: Alex Brooks

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Jamie Dinan could acquire another team through a freshly launched SPAC.

Iconic Sports Acquisition filed on Wednesday for a $250 million IPO “to identify, acquire, and accelerate a business in the global sports industry or an adjacent sector including data and analytics, media, and technology,” according to the company prospectus. 

The founders added they “intend to focus our search on iconic businesses, including sports franchises.”

Sports SPACs have cooled off from earlier this year, with several high-profile deals falling through.

  • In August, Sportradar opted to go public through an IPO after a potential merger with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Todd Boehly’s SPAC collapsed.
  • That same month, Topps stayed private after a SPAC merger was called off following the company losing its MLB trading card deal to Fanatics.
  • Fanatics was also a factor in Panini and Alex Rodriguez’s SLAM Corp. ending talks, after Fanatics signed trading card licensing deals with the NFL and NBA.

Iconic’s founding team also includes Alexander Knaster, owner of Italian Serie B club A.C. Pisa 1909, and Edward Eisler, who launched a $1 billion hedge fund, Eisler Capital, in July.

The management group will be led by soccer legend Gianluca Vialli and Fausto Zanetton, founder and CEO of sports investment advisory firm Tifosi Capital.

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

Mar 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives for the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter (2) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.

NBA Investigating Gary Trent Jr.’s New Bucks Contract

Trent agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal on July 11.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Finally Traded to Miami

The Heat and Bucks struck a deal late Monday night.
Mar 17, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (11), left, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) watch the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers from the bench in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Bucks–Giannis Standoff Adds Fuel to NBA’s Tanking Crisis

The Bucks reportedly want to shut Antetokounmpo down for the season.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; eam World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in-between games during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.

How Ohanian Became Giannis’s Sports Investment Whisperer

“It all started with a DM from Thanasis,” Ohanian tells FOS.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
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
October 12, 2026

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.
Exclusive

SportsGrid Up for Sale Amid Revenue Slide

Bankers have been pitching suitors since this summer.
October 8, 2026

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

Jeanie Buss was granted five years as team governor.
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
October 9, 2026

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
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.
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.