Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Stripe Becomes Top U.S. Startup with $95B Valuation

Stripe/Design: Alex Brooks

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Elon Musk’s SpaceX was knocked off the top of the most valuable startup list. In its place? A company you’ve probably used to shop online.

Online payment processor Stripe raised $600 million in its latest funding round, nearly tripling its valuation to $95 billion. It was valued at $36 billion last April.

Stripe’s software accepts payments and other transactions for millions of businesses, including sports-based ones like OpenSports and LeagueApps — online platforms that organize community sports groups and events.

  • OpenSports lists over 250,000 orders per year.
  • LeagueApps hit $15 million in revenue in 2020.

“I view this as a bit more opportunistic,” Chief Financial Officer Dhivya Suryadevara said about Stripe’s additional funding. The company “is highly capital efficient.”

PayPal is still the sector’s leader with a $359 billion valuation. It’s been public since 2002 and is integrated with most sports betting services. Square has also seen an uptick in use with sports organizations and has deals with stadiums like Nationals Park and the Chase Center.

Board member Mike Moritz considers the $600 million a “rainy day” fund. “It pays to have a little more insurance,” he said.

Stripe plans to use the latest round of funding to invest in its European operations as global payments and e-commerce continue to grow.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cubs, Nationals in Trademark Fight with WNBA Over ‘The W’

The baseball teams claim the league’s filing could cause “confusion.”
Apr 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) hits a single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at Fenway Park.

Red Sox Say Fans Whiffed With ‘Junk Fees’ Lawsuit

“Plaintiffs were not deceived,” the team argues in a new filing.
Sep 27, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Ryan Walker (74) hands the ball to manager Bob Melvin as he is relieved during the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Giants Become 3rd MLB Team Sued Over ‘Junk Fees’ Since September

The Nationals and Red Sox face separate, but similar, lawsuits.
May 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Truist Park.

Nats Are Latest Team to Join MLB Media Umbrella

The MLB club is departing the Orioles-controlled MASN after 21 years.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/8/26 – Rahm Rejects LIV, Trump’s Stormy Georgia-Alabama Visit, Super Bowl on Disney+

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.

Filing Details Jeanie Buss’s Side Deal to Remain Lakers Governor

Jeanie Buss was granted five years as team governor.
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2026 Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the race
Exclusive
September 24, 2026

Dolphins Owner Nearing Deal to Sell 20% Stake in Miami F1 Race

Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Grand Prix since 2021.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.
October 6, 2026

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Drew Weatherford
September 23, 2026

Former FSU QB Drew Weatherford Says PE Can Fix Youth Sports

Weatherford tells FOS what’s ailing the youth sports industrial complex.
Exclusive
September 16, 2026

LeBron James Polymarket Deal Worth $15 Million a Year

James is not an investor in Polymarket, just an endorser.
Ndamukong Suh
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh: ‘I Don’t Necessarily Agree’ With PE in Youth Sports

“They’re always gonna be looking for those returns.”
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC stretches his left leg next to Tom Kim during warms up before match against the Los Angeles Golf Club who won the TGL finals at SoFi Center on March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Exclusive
September 10, 2026

New Funding Doubles TGL Parent Company Valuation to $1B

TMRW is the parent company of indoor golf leagues TGL and WTGL.