• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 13, 2026

SmartFit to Raise $445M in IPO

SmartFit/Design: Alex Brooks

SmartFit, one of Latin America’s biggest gym chains, is set to raise $445 million in an IPO.

The Brazilian chain operates more than 900 gyms and counts Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund and Canada’s largest pension fund as backers. 

SmartFit announced intentions to go public in May after a string of acquisitions.

Last year, the company bought a controlling stake in Queima Diária, a video-on-demand training platform. In March, it announced a deal to acquire gym network Just Fit.

SmartFit is also reportedly in merger negotiations with Mexican Sports World. It’s one of many gyms eyeing a public listing.

  • Equinox, SoulCycle’s parent company, was in talks to go public via a merger with SPAC Social Capital. This week, reports revealed that the deal is now off due to disagreements about how to value the combined company.
  • Crescent Acquisition is acquiring Mark Wahlberg’s F45 Gym and taking it public — the combined company will be worth $845 million.
  • Xponential Fitness announced its revived plans to go public in April after purchasing Rumble for $300 million. Bloomberg estimated the brand could be valued at $1.3 billion.

In Q1, SmartFit stood at 2.4 million clients — a decrease from the 2.8 million it had pre-pandemic.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Optimism ESPN-NFL Deal Can Close in April

The two parties are preparing for two possible timelines, pending regulatory approval.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium.

NHL, Union ‘Pleased’ With Olympic Arena Progress

The league and union express support for local Olympics organizers.
Jan 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

LeBron Will Wear Special Jersey Patch for Fanatics Trading Cards

Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, is the NBA’s official trading card licensee.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
Sponsored

‘Run With the Competition’: Ultra Trail Runner Lotti Brinks Is Back With..

Ultrarunner Lotti Brinks is ready to make her first Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix podium in her HOKA Mafate 5s.
Sponsored

Top Esports Athletes Will Compete for National Glory in the Esports Nations..

The new biennial event, starting in 2026, kicks off a monumental next era for esports.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Sponsored

Win. Advance. Repeat: The Professional Fighters League’s Rise to Prominence 

As of 2025, PFL has introduced a World Tournament format, where every fighter must battle through a high-stakes bracket to reach a championship.
The 2018 Ragin' Crossfit Games are held at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette.
March 14, 2025

CrossFit for Sale After Years of Drama and Attrition

The intense fitness workout got popular in the early 2000s.
Sponsored

How On Location is Redefining the Olympic Winter Games Hospitality Experience

As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, On Location—the Official Hospitality Provider—is redefining luxury hospitality.
Sponsored

How On Location is Redefining the Olympic Winter Games Hospitality Experience

As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, On Location—the Official Hospitality Provider—is redefining luxury hospitality.