• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

The Other Big Winner of Tatis Jr.’s Record Deal

  • Big League Advance allows players to monetize their potential.
  • The company has invested $156 million in minor league baseball players.
Photo: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

Five years ago, Big League Advance placed a bet on a 17 year-old Fernando Tatis Jr. On Wednesday, that bet paid off big time.

Big League Advance allows players to monetize their potential, paying prospects up front for a cut of their future earnings. With his record breaking 14-year, $340 million deal, Tatis Jr. is now Big League Advance’s biggest success story.

The company is part of a growing industry that allows prospects to monetize their potential or otherwise hedge their bets. 

  • The recently launched Evolution Development Group focuses on athletes in sports that are expensive to break into, namely golf, auto racing and combat sports. The company recently announced Andretti Autosports as an investment partner.
  • Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie cut out the middle man last year and offered bonds connected to his own earning futures on a blockchain exchange.
  • Fantex, which bought player future earnings and then sold them on an exchange, closed its platform in 2017. 

Big League Advance’s investors include Cleveland Browns executive and former baseball executive Paul DePodesta and Marvin Bush, brother of former President George W. Bush, who chairs the company board.

Founder and CEO Michael Schwimer, 35, saw the challenges and uncertainty faced by minor leaguers in his own brief career as a relief pitcher, in which he pitched just under 50 Major League innings over two seasons.

The company has invested $156 million in minor league baseball players, using predictive analytics to forecast their future success. Because Major League Baseball’s contract structure suppresses earnings in a player’s first six years, particularly the first three, the company must take a long view of its investments.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.

ESPN Ends Its Wild-Card Coverage With Historic TV Ratings

Wild-card viewership surges 64% to a record in the current format.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.