• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 6, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

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

opinion

Where Is the Dang Game? Fragmentation Has Hit Fever Pitch

Is a correction coming in the increasingly confusing landscape of live sports?
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Stephen A coach Stephen A. Smith looks on against Team Shannon during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Smith’s Potential $100M deal ‘Incredible’: Matt Barnes

Barnes believes there’s plenty of space for people across sports media to thrive.

Savannah Bananas Plan to Bring ‘Banana Ball’ to Football Stadiums

The popular independent baseball team features a ticket waiting list of about three million.

NBA Media’s Changing of the Guard

Among other issues, networks are trying to figure out a post-LeBron coverage plan.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The FOS Interview: NBA Champion Matt Barnes

0:00

Featured Today

MLB Gets the Shohei Ohtani Postseason Treatment. The Value Is Immense

The Japanese superstar finally makes his playoff debut Saturday.
The Cal mascot, Oski
October 2, 2024

How the Calgorithm Turned College Football Twitter Into Real Life

“College GameDay” makes its first trip to Berkeley on Saturday.
Apr 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; The cleats of Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) as he runs the bases against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park.
October 1, 2024

MLB Players Are Clamoring for Swag. Outfitting Them Is Big Business

Sliding mitts, cleats, and belts are fun, flashy, and lucrative.
Sep 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
September 30, 2024

The Padres’ Future Is on the Line This Postseason

The MLB playoffs could determine the team’s path forward.
Young fans look over Michigan State sports equipment on display during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Private Equity Firms Buy Rival Hockey Brands CCM and Bauer

Both brands have been around for decades and changed ownership in the same week.
Fans watch TV screens during a game viewing party for fans at the FanDuel Sportsbook at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
September 18, 2024

FanDuel Parent Buys Italian Gambling Company in Bid for Growth

Flutter is making big moves in Italy and Brazil.
September 18, 2024

Rogers Tightens Grip on Canadian Sports With $3.46B MLSE Stake

The Blue Jays owner makes a big move to corner most of the Toronto pro sports market.
Sponsored

Trend Report: Chiefs-Chargers, Tobacco Road Rivalry, Nebraska Sellout Streak

According to data from TickPick, some games this week will prove to be wallet-busters, climbing into the four figures.
September 12, 2024

Team USA’s Uniform Maker Is Shooting for a Long-Term Win

This week’s uniforms are honoring the Armed Forces.
September 5, 2024

Amazon Nears Game-Changing Deal to Stream Bally Sports Content

The online retail and streaming giant nears a long-expected deal to stream most of Diamond Sports Group’s content.
September 5, 2024

Callaway Spins Topgolf Off Into Separate Business

The two golf companies are parting ways only four years after they agreed to merge.
September 3, 2024

$13M and Counting: Coach Prime Deal Still Boosting Blenders Eyewear

Deion Sanders has a sunglasses sponsorship with the company.