• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Front Office Sports Honors winners are here! View the 2025 winners

SoftBank Hit Hard by China Tech Crackdown

  • SoftBank saw a massive hit to its net assets, due primarily to China’s new tech rules hurting Alibaba’s stock.
  • SoftBank owns nearly a quarter of Alibaba.
man_talking_softbank_logo
SoftBank Vision Fund/Design: Alex Brooks

SoftBank took a massive hit to its net assets, as China’s crackdown on social, consumer, and gaming-focused tech companies struck at some of the company’s key investments.

The Tokyo-based tech and investment company saw its net assets drop $54 billion over its fiscal second quarter to around $184 billion. Much of that was due to a substantial drop by Alibaba, in which SoftBank owns nearly a one-quarter stake.

  • SoftBank’s Vision Fund 1 took a $7.3 billion loss for the three months ending Sept. 30. The fund’s portfolio companies include Fanatics and Gympass
  • The company is pouring money into its Vision Fund 2, saying on Monday it has brought its capital commitment in the fund to $51 billion from $40 billion on Sept. 30. The Vision Fund 2’s holdings include WHOOP, Vuori, Sorare, Tempo, Keep, and Fanatics.
  • Softbank reported an overall loss of $3.5 billion in the quarter. It cashed out around $4 billion in successful stocks to help offset losses.

The company touted new funding rounds for companies it has already invested in, including Fanatics’ $325 million round at an $18 billion valuation and WHOOP’s $200 million raise at a $3.6 billion valuation in August.

Despite the losses, SoftBank announced it would buy back up to $8.8 billion in stock over the next year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Judge Rules for NFL, Fanatics Against Small Apparel Seller

The lawsuit argued the NFL “aids and abets” Fanatics with its strategy.
A set of trading cards

Judge Rules Against Fanatics as Panini Case Gets Rancorous

A judge ordered Fanatics to turn over unredacted trading card licenses.

NFL Acquires More of Genius Sports to Boost Betting, Data

The league is poised to become the data company’s largest shareholder.
Oakland A's

Fanatics Blames ‘Technology’ Error for Mixed-Up MLB Ads

One image had a fan wearing a Twins jersey and Guardians hat.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Jonathan Mariner

Former MLB CFO Jumps to PE, Says Teams Are Undervalued

Mariner worked in Major League Baseball for 24 years.
March 20, 2025

Nike Struggles Continue, but Signs of Turnaround Appear

The embattled company beats tepid expectations in both revenue and earnings.
James Harden
April 24, 2025

Adidas Posts Big Profits in First Quarter Without Yeezy

Profits and sales are up after selling off remaining Yeezys last year.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Oracle Park
March 18, 2025

S.F. Giants Selling Stake to Private Equity to Pay for Facility Upgrades

The team said the cash would not be used to grow payroll.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.
February 14, 2025

DraftKings Turns First Full-Year Profit, Stock Up 47% in 2025

The company’s sports betting business continues to grow despite headwinds.
Billie Jean King
February 13, 2025

Billie Jean King: ‘Billionaires, Not Millionaires’ Are Fueling Women’s Sports Boom

Billie Jean King wants more women involved in team ownership, too.