2026-02-04
For feedback or questions just reply to this mail
💸
Finance & Investments
The PE firm, founded by ex-RedBird Capital executives, plans 10 investments at $75M+ per deal targeting sports teams and middle-market companies.
Otro has made three platform investments to date – Alpine F1 Team, Two Circles, and FlexWork Sports – and recently secured an equity stake in a University of Utah commercial entity.
The raise marks the largest debut sports-focused buyout fund, achieved despite a difficult PE fundraising environment.
Led by former NFL executive Jason Wright, this initiative matches the largest investment vehicle dedicated to women’s sports.
The fund targets teams and essential infrastructure businesses to ensure the industry builds sustainable, long-term growth.
With global revenue projected to surpass $2.35B in 2025, the firm views the sector as highly undervalued.
US investment firm Alignment Growth led the round, bringing the total capital raised to over $160M.
Founded by soccer star Gerard Piqué, the league mixes seven-a-side games with live streaming entertainment.
The funds will support new men’s and women’s competitions in the US and potential company acquisitions.
Private equity firm Arctos Partners states AI content makes live sports a scarcer, more valuable asset.
The firm manages $15B in assets and owns stakes in teams across all five major US leagues.
Major sports leagues have outperformed the S&P 500 since 2014 due to guaranteed long-term revenue from media rights.
📺
Media, Broadcasting & Sponsorships
Select 30-second spots sold for over $10M, surpassing the event's average price of $8M.
Broadcaster NBCUniversal sold out all inventory last September, driven by 40% new advertisers seeking exposure.
Strong demand spilled over to the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping the network sell out that event too.
Data firm Nielsen and the NFL are testing wristbands that detect audio to count people watching games together.
The pilot program uses 78K wearable devices to replace manual login systems for more accurate group viewing data.
Early results from Super Bowl LX will help improve measurement for future major events like the Masters.
🏆
Teams & Leagues
This total represents a sharp drop compared to the record £3.1B invested during the previous summer.
Manchester City and Crystal Palace drove 40% of the activity, while other top teams spent nothing.
English teams still outspent top leagues in Spain, Germany, Italy, and France combined.
The global golf ranking board will award points only to players finishing in the top 10.
Winners receive roughly 23 points, less than half the amount offered at major PGA Tour tournaments.
Officials limited rewards because the Saudi-backed league uses small fields and restrictive entry rules.
The player union opposes the schedule change due to serious concerns regarding health and career longevity.
Team owners aim to replace a low-value preseason exhibition match with a profitable regular-season game.
Athletes warn they will demand compensation above the projected $306M team salary cap to agree.
🎁
Miscellaneous
He missed a game because his team, Al Nassr, failed to match a rival's recent player acquisitions.
Despite spending $125M this season, his club fell behind a competitor funded by a billionaire prince.
The $75M-per-year athlete has not won a league title and is reportedly considering a transfer.
If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email!
Was this email forwarded to you? Then sign up here to receive the Daily Playbook in your inbox every weekday.