Friday, April 24, 2026
FOS Expands to TV More Details

Buzzer, the Gen Z Sports App Backed by $44 Million, Shutters

  • Buzzer, a mobile streaming startup that worked with the NBA and NHL, will shut down all operations.
  • The startup raised funding from Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Kevin Durant, Patrick Mahomes, and others.
Buzzer's investors included Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Patrick Mahomes.
Courtesy of Buzzer.

Buzzer, the streaming startup backed by Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and other stars, announced Friday that it would shut down.

The company raised $44 million in total investment for its app to target Gen Z sports fans. Investors included Jordan, Durant, Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Mahomes, LaMelo Ball, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and owners of the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Washington Nationals, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Buzzer was founded in 2020 and launched its mobile app in 2021 for fans to stream parts of live sporting events on their phones in exchange for making micro-payments as low as $1. The startup signed rights deals to stream the NBA, WNBA, NHL, PGA Tour, and the ATP Tour.

On May 19, Buzzer shut down its consumer app and announced it was becoming a technology provider for businesses to license its streaming product. The shift from B2C to B2B didn’t work. 

“As of today and with a heavy heart, we are formally winding down our operations,” Buzzer said. “Recent fundraising developments and market dynamics have informed this outcome, despite our very best efforts to continue building Buzzer.”

Buzzer’s founder and CEO Bo Han was previously the director of live content on Twitter, where he worked since 2012 and helped lead the company’s global sports content partnerships.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CBS Sports THE NFL TODAY+ on September 14, 2025. Pictured (L-R): Antonio Pierce, Kyle Long, Amanda Guerra, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson. CBS Sports THE NFL TODAY+ on September 14, 2025. Pictured (L-R): Antonio Pierce, Kyle Long, Amanda Guerra, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson. Photo:

Paramount Plans to Merge Streaming Service with HBO Max

The combined service will start with about 200 million subscribers.
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of video cameras for Thursday Night Football before the game between the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium.

Why NFL Coaches Are Calling Amazon About Its Game Data

The streamer is pushing the envelope on analytics.
Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.

Alcaraz–Djokovic Is Most-Watched Australian Open Final Since 2017

The 2017 men’s singles final drew 1.1 million viewers.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jan 25, 2026; Taipei, TAIWAN; Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101.

Netflix Continues Live TV Push As Skyscraper Climb Draws 6.2M

The stream of the free climb expanded the company’s live events presence.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.

NFL Draft’s Shorter Clock Delivers Faster, Tighter First Round

The league shaves more than a half-hour from the first round.
April 23, 2026

New Photos of Vrabel, Russini at NYC Bar Leak Hours Before Draft

The photos were taken at a New York City bar in 2020.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
opinion
April 23, 2026

From Denials to Damage Control: Hubris Haunts Vrabel and Russini

New photos from 2020 show Vrabel and Russini appearing to kiss.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to a call by an official during the second half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
April 23, 2026

NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Is Second-Most-Watched Since 2011

The opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs averaged 4.3 million viewers.
Zaslav
April 23, 2026

WBD Shareholders Approve Sale, Reject Pay Package for Zaslav

The combined company would have one of the largest sets of sports rights in the industry.
exclusive
April 23, 2026

NWSL’s Midge Purce Says Her New Podcast Is ‘Not Chit-Chatting’

Purce is launching a new twice-monthly podcast with Vox Media.
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; United States bench react after the game-winning goal is scored by Jack Hughes (not pictured) of the United States against Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
April 23, 2026

Comcast Earnings Get Boost From Winter Olympics, Super Bowl

The NBC Sports parent company touts results from its “Legendary February.”