Thursday, April 9, 2026

Nifty Games Raises $38M to Expand Mobile Sports Games

  • Nifty Games raised $38 million in new funding as it seeks to build out its audience for “NFL Clash,” “NBA Clash,” and other titles.
  • The company has licensing deals with the NFL, NFLPA, NBA, and NBPA.
Nifty Games/Design: Alex Brooks

Nifty Games closed $38 million in new funding to bring its short-form mobile sports games to a broader audience.

The California-based mobile app developer secured $26 million in a Series B round, plus an additional $12 million in a connected debt financing.

The round was led by Vulcan Capital, which is chaired by Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers chair Jody Allen. Boston Celtics managing owner Steve Pagliuca participated in the round, as did Courtside Ventures, March Gaming, and Defy Partners.

  • The company announced licensing deals with the NBA and its player association, as well as with the NFL and NFLPA, in April.
  • Its “NFL Clash” and “NBA Clash” games debuted this year. The titles are set to launch in the U.S. later in 2021. 
  • Nifty raised a $12 million Series A round in April.

The company’s investors include team owners from MLB, MLS, NHL, as well as esports leagues, per TechCrunch. Its short-session games offer a contrast to more involved ones such as “Madden NFL 21” and “FIFA 21.”

Nifty said it would use the new funding to create new sports-themed games and grow its staff. The company opened a Chicago office in July 2020. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

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
exclusive

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders

Top Sports Attorneys Command $10M Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy

“The transfer portal is open for sports lawyers.”

NFL Faces DOJ Investigation With Media-Rights Battle Heating Up

Washington’s growing scrutiny of the league is deeply layered.

NFL Targets OTAs, Minicamps for Replacement Refs Rollout

The league takes further steps to prepare a group of alternates.

Featured Today

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
April 1, 2026

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Jack Nicklaus speaks to media prior to the start of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio on May 27, 2025.

Jack Nicklaus Re-Acquires Nicklaus Companies After Lawsuit

Nicklaus takes back ownership of marks like the iconic Golden Bear.
January 28, 2026

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

Global Sport Group bought a controlling stake in Equine Network.
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.
February 3, 2026

Fund Backing Women’s Sports Raises $250M and Counting

Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Puma store
January 27, 2026

China’s Anta Eyes World Domination With $1.8B Puma Deal

Anta is now the largest shareholder in both Puma and Amer Sports.
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 Joins PE-Backed 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 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.