• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

How Sports Helped Verizon Media Pivot

  • Verizon has expanded its betting services.
  • The online sports betting market is expected to grow to $9.2 billion by 2025.
Photo: BetMGM/Design: Alex Brooks

Things are looking up for Verizon Media Group, and sports betting has a lot to do with it.

In Q4 2020, the unit reported $2.3 billion in revenue, up 11.4% year-over-year. It was the first growth quarter for Verizon Media since it acquired Yahoo in 2017 — two years after buying a dying AOL.

The Yahoo and AOL acquisitions together cost Verizon Media $9 billion, and led to a $4.6 billion write-off in 2018 after both properties had notoriously underperformed. But now, Yahoo Sports is beginning to show its value.

Former Alibaba executive Guru Gowrappan took over Verizon Media in 2018 with hopes of reviving the unit. One of Gowrappan’s first successes was Yahoo Sports’ partnership with BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and British gambling company Entain.

The partnership allows Yahoo users to bet on sports in eight states where BetMGM operates, within a connected ecosystem. It’s been live since 2019, and results have been tremendous for a Verizon Media looking to rebuild.

  • Yahoo Sports sent over 1 million people to BetMGM’s registration portal in 2020, per Sportico.
  • The average Yahoo Sports bettor places wagers on BetMGM at a rate that would amount to $6,000 in bets each year, according to Digiday.

BetMGM isn’t the only entity that believes in Verizon.

In February, it was revealed that, last quarter, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway invested $8.6 billion in the telecom giant’s stock.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks after giving his annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Springfield.

Illinois Passes New Sports Betting Tax in Middle of the Night

This is the second straight year Illinois approved a tax increase on sportsbooks.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles as Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.

Sports Betting Giants, Leagues Watch Closely As Kalshi Keeps Winning

Regulators in at least six states have sent Kalshi cease-and-desist letters.
July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.
Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Men’s March Madness Sets Opening-Day Viewership Record

CBS Sports and TNT Sports scored big with Arkansas–Kansas.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 8, 2025

Betway Parent to Complete U.S. Exodus, Blames Tax Volatility

“Recent regulatory developments” were cited. 
Mar 16, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The BetMGM Sportsbook at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino.
July 11, 2025

Support Grows to Repeal Gambling Tax in Trump Budget Bill

A new bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.
July 7, 2025

California AG Has Declared Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal. Now What?

The opinion might spark a broader DFS conversation in the state.
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 3, 2025

California AG Says Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal

The AG rejected arguments that DFS are games of skill, not chance.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 3, 2025

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Gambling Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.