• Loading stock data...
Friday, March 6, 2026

Dapper Labs Cuts 22% of Workforce Due To Market Downturn

  • Byproduct of overall economic downturn and major dip in the digital asset market.
  • Despite the struggles, Dapper Labs continues to work toward new deals.
Courtesy: NBA/Dapper Labs

Dapper Labs founder and CEO Roham Gharegozlou confirmed in a letter to employees that it has reduced the NFT company’s workforce by 22%. 

Employees who worked on NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and other digital assets took to social media this week to announce they’d been laid off. 

“These reductions are the last thing we want to do, but they are necessary for the long-term health of our business and communities,” Gharegozlou wrote to employees on Wednesday after the cuts had been made. “We know web3 and crypto is the future across a multitude of industries — with 1000x potential from here in terms of mainstream adoption and impact — but today’s macroeconomic environment means we aren’t in full control of the timing.”

Gharegozlou said that the staff had grown to about 600 employees, meaning roughly 130 employees were let go months into a major downturn in the digital asset market. 

Impacted full-time employees received three months of salary and six months of COBRA health coverage, according to Gharegozlou’s letter. 

Despite the struggles, Dapper Labs continues to work toward new deals.

Among the major ones still in play is a deal that could become one of the largest for the company. 

Negotiations with the Premier League for its video NFT rights are ongoing. A source with knowledge of the negotiations told Front Office Sports that Dapper Labs and EPL could come to an agreement in the coming months.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; American DJ Steve Aoki during the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

DraftKings Cofounder, DJ Steve Aoki Accused of Duping NFT Buyers

The proposed class action expects “tens of millions of dollars” in damages.

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
NBA and WNBA sponsor Coinbase is being sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Seattle Storm Launch Sue Bird Coinbase NFT Amid SEC Crypto Crackdown

The SEC has sued Coinbase, alleging it acted as an unregistered broker.

Featured Today

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena.
March 1, 2026

Young Athletes Have Entered Their LinkedIn Era

Athletes can’t play forever. Some are laying the groundwork for Act 2.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.

Ex-NFL Pro, Commanders Exec Says Women’s Sports Is an Undervalued Asset

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

Chinese Sportswear Giant Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.
January 28, 2026

CVC’s New Sports Business Buys Into $300M Equestrian Company

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd motions to his team during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center.
January 27, 2026

Jason Kidd Takes Board Role, Equity Stake in Youth Sports Company

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Contestants compete in the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest at Tootsie's 57th Anniversary Birthday Bash on Lower Broadway in Nashville on Oct. 10, 2017.
January 22, 2026

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Will Continue Under New Chinese Ownership

Nathan’s expects to keep the contest at Coney Island.
Batbox
January 12, 2026

Bowling’s Blueprint Is Powering the New Social Gaming Boom

New venues are fusing sports, entertainment, and good food.
Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Kody Funderburk (55) and catch
December 17, 2025

Twins’ New Investments Value Club at $1.75 Billion

The Twins have also announced a succession plan.