• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 27, 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

NFL Stadium Designers Battle to Win $3B Chiefs Project

The NFL team is choosing between two locally based firms to design its stadium.
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.

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

The Mavericks coach is an equity holder and member of the board.
Jan 25, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Crowds during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course.

How Johnson Wagner Will Bring His Golf Shot Recreations to CBS

Johnson Wagner left Golf Channel to sign a new contract with CBS.
Jan 26, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Amanda Anisimova of United States in action against Xinyu Wang of China in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park.

Amanda Anisimova Calls The Athletic Reporter’s Questions ‘Clickbait’

“I don’t think that’s relevant,” Anisimova responded.

Featured Today

Tim Jenkins

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
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.