Versant Acquires Full Swing For $530m

Versant Media Group, Inc. has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Full Swing, a leading sports technology company with patented hardware and integrated software used by consumers, competitive athletes, coaches, and commercial venues.

Under the terms of the agreement, Versant will acquire Full Swing from Bruin Capital and a group of minority investors for approximately $530 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

Full Swing will add an interactive sports platform to Versant’s portfolio, spanning immersive simulation, launch monitors, virtual greens, integrated software, and performance data. Built first in golf and now extending into baseball and other sports, Full Swing supports data-driven practice, play, training, and entertainment across at-home, commercial and professional environments with simulated sports and family entertainment experiences.

The transaction will build on Versant’s leadership in golf while expanding the company’s capabilities into interactive sports experiences. Full Swing will be anchored in Versant’s golf business, supported by Golf Channel, GolfNow and GolfPass, and will provide a new way to engage the growing golf community. The acquisition will also create opportunities to develop a unique ecosystem across content, commerce, training, venues, and performance data, while supporting Full Swing’s continued growth as a sports technology company.

“Full Swing is exactly the kind of strategic platform that reflects how we are building Versant: investing in our core markets, extending the reach of our iconic brands and creating new ways to serve passionate audiences,” said Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer of Versant. “Sports are becoming more interactive, more data-driven and more connected, and Full Swing allows us to build on that momentum. Starting from our strength in golf, we see an opportunity to scale a multi-sports technology platform for athletes, coaches, consumers, and fans.”

“Full Swing will add a powerful performance layer to Versant, bringing interactive products, precise data and immersive software to players wherever they engage, including at home, on the range, in venues or with coaches,” said Will McIntosh, President, Digital Platforms and Ventures at Versant. “We have long admired what Ryan and his leadership team have built at Full Swing and look forward to welcoming them to the Versant family as we work together to extend the platform’s reach and impact across training, competition and entertainment.”

“This is an exciting next chapter for Full Swing. Joining Versant gives us the scale and distribution to bring our technology to even more golfers, athletes and fans, while staying focused on what we do best — building the most connected and immersive way to play and train,” said Ryan Dotters, Chief Executive Officer of Full Swing. “We’re proud of what our team has built, and we look forward to growing it alongside Versant’s portfolio of iconic brands.”

“Joining Versant’s portfolio and resources, under Mark’s vision for the future of sports and fan experiences, is exactly the kind of next chapter we set out for when we acquired Full Swing five years ago,” said George Pyne, Bruin Capital’s Founder & Chief Executive Officer. “Its data and technology are a perfect fit for the interactive, athlete-to-fan ecosystem Versant is building. This is truly a win for everyone, and we’re thrilled for Ryan and the team.”

Following the closing of the transaction, Full Swing will operate within Versant’s Digital Platforms and Ventures portfolio, and Dotters will join Versant, reporting to McIntosh. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Gibson Dunn acted as legal advisor to Versant. Moelis & Company LLC. acted as financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to Bruin.

Sky Agrees £1.6bn Acquisition of ITV Media & Entertainment In Landmark UK Media Deal

Sky has reached an agreement to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment (ITV M&E) from ITV in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion (€1.86 billion), subject to customary adjustments for cash, debt and working capital, bringing together two of the UK’s most established media brands.

The transaction comprises £1.2 billion in cash, the transfer of Love Productions, and up to £200 million in performance-related earn-out, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The proposed acquisition comes as the UK media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with traditional broadcasters facing growing competition from global streaming platforms and digital-first services. Sky said the combination would create a stronger business capable of competing more effectively in an increasingly fragmented market.

Following completion, ITV’s free-to-air channels and streaming platform ITVX will continue to operate as free-to-air services, with the broadcaster maintaining its public service broadcasting (PSB) obligations, including national and regional news. Sky will continue to offer its portfolio of subscription television, premium sports, entertainment and connectivity services.

The combined business would reach a significant share of UK audiences. ITV currently reaches around 40 million viewers each week and attracts more than 16.5 million monthly digital users. Together, Sky and ITV M&E are expected to account for approximately 20 per cent of all in-home television viewing in the UK, making the combined entity second only to the BBC and ahead of YouTube, while creating one of the country’s largest commercial streaming businesses.

Dana Strong, Group CEO of Sky, said: “This is a defining moment for British media and an opportunity to build a stronger future for two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands. We have huge respect for the transformation the ITV team has delivered, particularly its successful move into streaming through ITVX, which has brought fantastic British content to millions of viewers across the UK.

“Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world. ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together.”

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of ITV, said the transaction builds on ITV’s transformation while preserving its public service role.

“ITV has successfully evolved in a rapidly changing media landscape—launching and scaling ITVX and developing ITV Studios into a major force in the global content market. This transaction builds on that momentum to deliver clear, tangible value for shareholders,” she said.

“Through the commitments made by Sky, the combined ITV M&E and Sky business will continue to deliver everything about ITV that our viewers and advertisers value—from programmes that reflect and shape society to trusted national and regional news. I am also confident that Sky will be a strong and responsible custodian of ITV M&E, investing in its future while safeguarding the qualities that make ITV so valued by viewers and the UK’s creative industries.”

As part of the agreement, Sky will also enter into a five-year content supply agreement worth £2.1 billion with ITV Studios. The deal is expected to support continued investment in British programming while sustaining employment, skills and growth across the UK’s creative sector. Programming commissioned under the agreement will not count towards ITV’s independent production quotas, ensuring continued opportunities for independent producers.

Sky expects the acquisition to generate approximately £200 million in annual run-rate cost synergies by the end of the third year following completion, primarily through efficiencies across marketing, technology platforms and non-UK content operations.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

From AI to ROI: ATP’s Daniele Sano on the Future of Commercial Partnerships in Tennis

As the commercial landscape of global sport continues to evolve, rights holders are increasingly looking beyond traditional sponsorship models to unlock new sources of value. From artificial intelligence and data-driven fan engagement to outcome-based partnerships and emerging technology sectors, the ATP is positioning itself for its next phase of commercial growth.

In this interview, iSportConnect’s Taruka Srivastav speaks with Daniele Sano, Chief Business Officer at ATP, about the organisation’s commercial strategy, the role of AI in enhancing partner value, and the industries expected to shape tennis sponsorship over the coming years.

ATP has built one of the strongest commercial ecosystems in global sport. What are the biggest untapped revenue opportunities you see over the next five years, and how is ATP positioning itself to capture them?

There is clear potential to unlock value across digital rights, virtual advertising and new activation platforms. A key focus is creating new inventory beyond traditional offerings, aligning more closely with brands’ evolving objectives and delivering solutions that drive measurable business outcomes.

AI is reshaping everything from fan engagement to sponsorship measurement. How is ATP integrating AI into its commercial strategy, and where do you see the greatest impact on partner value creation?

We are in the early stages of integrating AI across our commercial ecosystem, with a focus on end-to-end application—from understanding fans through to partnership activation and valuation.

We are already using advanced data to build richer fan profiles and better predict behaviour, enabling more targeted and personalised campaigns for partners.

AI is also transforming sponsorship measurement, allowing us to quantify media impact, brand visibility and engagement in near real time. Looking ahead, I believe the greatest impact will come from AI-driven content and scalable fan and partner experiences.

Sponsors today expect measurable business outcomes rather than just brand visibility. How is ATP evolving its sponsorship model to deliver deeper ROI and long-term partner retention?

We are evolving our sponsorship model from exposure-led to outcome-led, building partnerships around clear, pre-agreed business KPIs.

This means working with partners to develop longer-term, multi-asset programmes that track impact over time and continuously optimise value.

Alongside traditional brand visibility metrics, we are placing greater emphasis on guest experiences, exclusive activations and other qualitative measures, all supported by robust data.

As brands become more selective with their investments, what makes ATP particularly attractive to both endemic and non-endemic partners, and how has that value proposition changed in recent years?

ATP is increasingly attractive because we offer a truly global, year-round platform across six continents and a continuous flow of premium content, reaching an affluent, gender-balanced audience that creates a highly compelling proposition for brands.

Our value proposition has evolved into a more holistic business platform, combining our unique audience with deeper data, premium experiences and more tailored partnership models. This enables brands to tell more meaningful stories, drive measurable outcomes and build long-term equity in the sport.

Looking ahead, which industries or categories do you believe will become the next major growth drivers for ATP partnerships, and what trends are influencing those conversations today?

We expect strong growth from technology-driven categories, including AI, data infrastructure, smart devices, cloud computing and cybersecurity, as tennis provides a global platform for brands to showcase innovation and performance.

Our focus is on segmenting broad categories such as technology into distinct verticals, unlocking opportunities for complementary specialist partners to coexist and activate in more targeted ways across the ATP platform.

Tottenham Hotspur and Betano Announce Three-year Strategic Partnership

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Kaizen Gaming, owner of the premium online sports betting and gaming brand Betano has announced a new three-year strategic partnership. As part of the agreement, Betano becomes the Club’s Official Training Wear Partner for the 2026/27 season, with a year-round presence across Tottenham Hotspur’s iconic stadium in London in pitch-side LEDs and big screens and on training kits in pre-match and pre-season activity in the lead up to men’s fixtures. Following the 2026/27 season, the partnership will evolve, with Betano transitioning into the Club’s Official Europe & LATAM Betting Partner through to 2029.

With a global audience of more than 600 million, a social following exceeding 130 million, and the Premier League’s fastest-growing social audience since 2022/23, Tottenham Hotspur was a natural fit for Betano’s long-term support of iconic football clubs and its international growth strategy. The new agreement enhances Betano’s investment in football internationally, aligning the brand with one of the sport’s most recognised clubs.

The partnership reflects a modern era of football where fan engagement is a continuous experience that goes well beyond the matchday whistle. Aligning with Tottenham Hotspur’s training kit and pre-season journeys allows Betano to secure a permanent, everyday presence within the Club’s ecosystem, engaging directly with a passionate global fanbase long after the stadium lights go down. The agreement also includes collaborative fan engagement initiatives, and digital content opportunities showcasing the shared commitment of both organisations to promoting a safe and responsible approach to sports betting.

Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “We’re pleased to begin this long-term partnership with Betano as we look ahead to the start of a new football season with great excitement. From our earliest conversations, it was clear we had a shared vision for what a modern sports partnership should look like, one that creates unique experiences for our supporters while making a positive impact beyond football as well as striving to help enhance knowledge around responsible gaming.”

Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, said: “Tottenham Hotspur is one of the world’s most recognised football clubs, combining sporting ambition with a global fanbase and one of the Premier League’s most influential digital platforms. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Kaizen Gaming share the same belief that the strongest partnerships create value far beyond brand visibility; they create better experiences for supporters.

This partnership marks another important milestone in Betano’s long-term investment in European football and the Premier League. As we continue to expand internationally, Tottenham Hotspur’s global reach, digital leadership and ambitious outlook make the Club an ideal partner for the next stage of our growth. We look forward to building a successful partnership together over the next three years.”

The announcement reflects Betano’s strategic approach to support football, combining long-term collaborations with leading clubs alongside a continued commitment to delivering safe, responsible betting experiences across the markets in which it operates.

Northampton Speedway Partners With Tickets.com UK To Enhance Digital Ticketing Experience

Northampton Speedway Limited has become the latest UK club to partner with Tickets.com UK, further strengthening the ticketing provider’s presence in British Speedway following its successful collaboration with Belle Vue Speedway.

The partnership, which went live in April 2026, sees Tickets.com delivering a secure, reliable, and fully digital ticketing solution for Northampton Speedway at Northampton International Shaleway. The platform is designed to streamline the fan journey, from purchasing tickets online through to seamless entry on race day.

The move comes during Northampton’s inaugural season in the Premiership, with the club seeking to enhance the matchday experience for both season ticket holders and casual supporters through improved digital services.

Paul Hunsdon, Co-Promoter of Northampton Speedway, said: “As we continue with our inaugural Premiership season, it was vital to partner with a ticketing provider that understands top-level speedway and puts supporters first. This partnership will improve the entire customer journey, from ticket purchase to matchday entry.”

The agreement reflects the growing adoption of digital ticketing solutions across motorsport and live sporting events, where clubs are increasingly investing in technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance fan engagement, and simplify venue access.

For Tickets.com UK, the addition of Northampton Speedway builds on its expanding portfolio within British Speedway and reinforces its commitment to supporting clubs with scalable ticketing technology tailored to the needs of both organisations and supporters.

As sports organisations continue to prioritise digital transformation, partnerships such as this highlight the increasing importance of seamless, fan-centric ticketing platforms in delivering modern matchday experiences.

The World Nineball Tour Inks Landmark Agreement With ESPN

The World Nineball Tour has announced a landmark agreement with ESPN that will bring two of professional pool’s premier events, the 2026 Mosconi Cup (27-30 November) and the 2026 US Open Pool Championship (25-30 August), to fans across the United States.

The agreement sees the Mosconi Cup return to ESPN while the prestigious US Open Pool Championship makes its ESPN debut, marking a major milestone for professional pool in the United States.

Fans across the US will be able to watch every session streaming live on ESPN+, with coverage also available on WNT TV, ensuring they won’t miss a single shot from either event this year.

The 2026 US Open Pool Championship will take place from August 25-30 at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas, before Team USA and Team Europe renew one of sport’s greatest rivalries at the 2026 Mosconi Cup from November 27-30 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “This agreement with ESPN is a significant moment for professional pool in the United States. The Mosconi Cup has a proud history with ESPN, and we’re delighted to see it return while introducing the US Open Pool Championship to ESPN audiences for the very first time.

“The recent US Darts Masters demonstrated the appetite for world-class Matchroom events on ESPN, with an electrifying atmosphere that captivated fans throughout the weekend. We’re excited to build on that momentum, and we’re confident pool will deliver the same energy, drama and entertainment for viewers this year.

“These are two of the biggest events in our sport, and together they showcase everything that makes professional pool so compelling – elite competition, incredible personalities and world-class entertainment. Partnering with ESPN allows us to reach new audiences while continuing to serve our loyal fans in the US.”

The US Open Pool Championship remains one of the sport’s oldest and most prestigious titles, attracting the world’s best players to compete for one of professional pool’s most coveted crowns.

Just three months later, the Mosconi Cup will once again captivate fans as Team USA and Team Europe go head-to-head in pool’s greatest rivalry. Renowned for its electric atmosphere and unforgettable moments, the event returns to American soil at the Caribe Royale Orlando, promising four days of world-class competition and drama.

Black Knight Rugby Acquires Exeter Chiefs in Landmark Takeover

Exeter Chiefs heralded a new dawn today as the club confirmed its sale to Black Knight Rugby.

A new subsidiary of Cannae Holdings, Inc., Black Knight Rugby, has purchased 100% of the shares of Exeter Rugby Group Ltd following a vote by Exeter’s members to permit the sale of the club.

Under Black Knight, Tony Rowe CBE will continue as CEO of the club to maintain continuity.

Rowe said: “If you had to choose an investor in the world of sport, you could not choose better than Black Knight. I am absolutely over the moon.”

The deal ends Rowe’s 25-year financial support of the club, which has seen the former telecoms business owner help Exeter Chiefs survive a £25 million debt accrued following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Rowe will be part of a new three-person executive board alongside Cannae Holdings, Inc.’s vice chairman William P Foley II and CEO Ryan Caswell.

Rowe added: “I look forward to working with Black Knight Rugby to support the club. Black Knight’s partnership from both a capital and operation perspective will allow Exeter Chiefs to move into the franchise era with ease.

“Although I feel privileged to have led this club for the last 25 years, the financial burden was becoming too much for me and my family. With Black Knight, we can look forward to a positive future, building on what we have already achieved to keep pushing for success on and off the pitch.”

Oakwell Sports Advisory was instrumental in finding investors for the club.

Cannae Holdings, Inc. has invested in several football clubs across the world, including the Premier League’s AFC Bournemouth who finished in a record sixth place last season, as well as FC Lorient of France’s Ligue 1 and Moreirense FC of Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

Foley commented: “Exeter is the type of asset we have been seeking as we transform Cannae into a focused portfolio of sports and entertainment businesses. We have a proven track record of building successful sports and entertainment brands, like Black Knight Football’s network of clubs, and we intend to bring that same approach to Exeter.

“We are excited to partner with Tony, the management team and the community to build on the success of the club and drive future results.”

Caswell (below right), who visited Sandy Park two months ago, said: “The acquisition of Exeter is the next example of Cannae executing on the strategic priorities outlined by our board. Exeter adds another attractive sports asset to our portfolio at a compelling entry price with upside at both the club and the league level, that can be enhanced through Cannae’s experience operating sports assets. We look forward to working with the Exeter teams, its sponsors and supporters to further the club’s momentums both on and off the pitch.”

This acquisition has also been welcomed by England’s three main rugby sporting bodies, PREM Rugby and the RFU.

Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO of PREM Rugby, said: “We are delighted to welcome Black Knight Rugby to the Gallagher PREM as our first American club investors in the competition.

“As proven owners in Premier League football with Bournemouth and in the NHL with the Vegas Golden Knights, Black Knight understands elite sport and what it takes to build a high-performance environment on and off the pitch. Their arrival is another powerful signal of where English rugby and PREM Rugby is heading.

“Exeter Chiefs are one of the great success stories of our game and Tony Rowe deserves enormous credit for everything he has built at Sandy Park and the legacy that he has created.

“To win two PREM titles and a European Cup is an extraordinary achievement. Tony’s vision, commitment and passion for the club and the wider game have been central to everything Exeter have achieved and we are pleased to see that he will continue to play an important role at the club.”

Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, said: “This is another positive signal for the future of professional rugby in England.

“Over the past two years, the game has come together to reshape the professional system creating a more sustainable, investable environment while protecting the competitiveness of our competitions. Today’s announcement is further proof that this approach is starting to deliver.

“Alongside recent investments in Newcastle Red Bulls and Bath Rugby, as well as growing interest across PREM Rugby, it reinforces that the English game remains a highly attractive proposition, with ambitious clubs, passionate supporters and real growth potential.

“We also recognise the outstanding contribution of Tony Rowe, whose long-term commitment and investment have been central to Exeter Chiefs’ success and to the wider strength of the professional game.

“There is more to do, but this is an encouraging step forward and evidence of what can be achieved when the game aligns behind a shared plan.”

PWR executive chair Genevieve Shore said: “This is an exciting milestone not just for Exeter, but for professional rugby in England. Long-term investment from experienced sports owners is a powerful endorsement of the direction of travel across the game and the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Exeter has built a strong reputation on and off the pitch, and we look forward to seeing how this new partnership supports the club’s ambitions across its whole rugby programme. As Premiership Women’s Rugby continues to grow, committed investment, shared expertise and a long-term vision will be critical to creating an even stronger future for the women’s game, and we are excited to work alongside clubs and investors who share that ambition.

“Across PWR, we know that sustainable investment, long-term thinking and aligned ambition are essential to unlocking the full potential of the game. We look forward to working with Exeter and Black Knight Rugby as they begin this exciting new chapter, and to seeing the positive impact this can have both within the club and across the professional rugby landscape.”

Juan Mata Takes Ownership Stake in Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory has announced that Juan Mata, the World Cup-winning Spanish international and current Johnny Warren medallist, has agreed to become a shareholder in the Club in a long-term commitment to Australian football.

The agreement is distinct from Mata’s playing arrangements with Victory and reflects a long-term vision for the Club and the A-Leagues that will continue well after his playing career concludes.

While Mata is still weighing up whether he continues to play next season or not, as part of this deal, once he elects to retire on the pitch, Mata will chair a newly established football committee at the Club, bringing more than two decades of experience at the elite level of the global game including with Chelsea, Manchester United and Valencia, among others, to Victory’s football operations.

Mata’s commitment will make him one of the few active international footballers anywhere in the world to take an ownership interest at their current club, and adds Melbourne Victory to a portfolio that already includes the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and MLS club San Diego FC.

Mata said: “Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this Club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.

“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step. I want to thank everyone associated with the Club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”

Melbourne Victory Chairman, John Dovaston, said: “To have a player of Juan’s calibre, a World Cup winner, a Champions League winner, a Victory Medallist and of course a Johnny Warren medallist, choose to take an ownership interest in Melbourne Victory is a significant moment for this Club and for Australian football. Juan is a discerning investor with stakes in elite sporting franchises around the world, and his decision to back Victory reflects real confidence in where this Club and the A-Leagues are heading.”

While the commercial terms of the investment remain confidential, it is structured to provide Mata with a significant, long-term minority stake and reflects Mata’s confidence in the Club’s strategic direction. The transaction has been designed to support a long-term partnership, with Mata to take a stake alongside the Club’s existing ownership group in a way that aligns his interests with Melbourne Victory’s long-term performance, on and off the pitch.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, added: “This is a new benchmark for the A-Leagues. Juan brings world-class football intelligence, a serious investor’s mindset, and a clear long-term commitment. Having that combination embedded in our Club is genuinely groundbreaking for the Australian game.”

Mata’s 2025/26 season for Victory, which included, 13 assists, five goals, and a pivotal role in the Club’s run to a 15th Finals Series, earned him the honour of being crowned both the Club and the A-League’s best player. He is also the co-founder of Common Goal, the global football-for-good movement, and his philanthropic work will continue to be a feature of his association with Victory.

Apple And World Surf League Launch ‘Apple at Play’ as Partnership Expands Beyond Competition

The World Surf League (WSL), the global home of surfing, and Apple has shared the launch of a new installment of Apple at Play, a content series that explores how professional sports organizations use Apple products and data to elevate athlete performance and bring fans closer to the action.

This latest Apple at Play series focuses on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) and tells the story of how Apple technology has become an integral part of the competitive surfing experience. Through behind-the-scenes access and athlete perspectives, the series explores how surfers use Apple Watch during competition, how they analyze performance data after heats, and how the technology is helping them perform at their best in one of the most dynamic and demanding sporting environments.

“We’re committed to the advancement of surfing, whether that’s through the performances of athletes in the water or the viewing experience of our fans,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO. “Our partnership with Apple and the new Apple at Play series is a great example of how we’re taking that to the next level. We’re always exploring new ways to better understand and showcase athlete performance. From giving competitors access to real-time data during competition to now integrating these insights into the broadcast, our partnership with Apple is helping fans experience the sport in a more immersive way.”

Apple Watch Data Integrated into WSL Broadcast

Since 2023, Apple Watch has served as the WSL’s Official Wearable Technology equipment, giving athletes in-competition access to real-time information, including heat scores, wave priority, and time remaining. Connected to cellular networks, this data is delivered directly to the surfer’s wrist via the specially developed WSL Surfer app, which syncs live with the WSL’s scoring system.

Earlier this year, that data went a step further, and for the first time, Apple Watch performance metrics have been integrated into the WSL broadcast, giving fans unprecedented insight into the action in the water. These new broadcast metrics include distance traveled on a wave, wave speed, and the athlete’s heart rate. This brings viewers even closer to the physical reality of competitive surfing than ever before.

“When you’re out there in a heat, every second counts. Being able to glance at my Apple Watch and instantly know my score, who has priority, and how much time is left has changed the way I compete,” said Lakey Peterson. “We’re competing where we’re sometimes far from the beach and battling the elements, so having this information is a game-changer. Now that fans can see the data too, and understand what we’re going through in real-time, it’s pretty special.”

iPhone Boosts WSL Fan Engagement

Apple has extended its collaboration with the WSL to now use iPhone to level up fan engagement. iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be used to capture content for social media and in-broadcast, showcasing Apple’s premium mobile photo and video capabilities including the 48MP Fusion cameras and 8x optical-quality zoom, in one of sport’s most challenging environments.

As a long-standing partner of the WSL, Apple has played an important role in innovating the competition experience for the league’s competitors and fans. These efforts continue to demonstrate how technology can advance sport by creating new ways for surfers, the WSL, and fans to experience surfing from the lineup, to the broadcast, and beyond.

Arctos Sports, RVX and Magellan Partner to Launch National Sports-Anchored Development Platform

Arctos, an investing business in KKR Solutions that seeks to partner with exceptional leaders in sports to help them grow and unlock their vision have announced a strategic partnership with RVX Ventures (“RVX”), a real estate development platform specializing in mixed-use entertainment districts, and Magellan Development Group (“Magellan”), a national leader in urban mixed-use real estate, to launch a new platform targeting the rapidly growing sports-anchored development sector.

The platform’s inaugural project is Neyland Entertainment District, a new development spanning the Tennessee River waterfront adjacent to Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (the “University”). Structured as a public-private partnership with the University, the development will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of entertainment space alongside a 24-story hotel and residences, along with a private members club, designed to enhance the gameday experience while creating a year-round destination for the Knoxville community. Arctos is the majority equity investor and is participating as a general partner alongside a sponsor team led by RVX, Magellan and Dixon Greenwood.

“Neyland Stadium is an iconic venue in college sports, and we’re grateful to the University of Tennessee for their shared vision and collaboration in bringing this dynamic entertainment district to life,” said Chad Hutchinson, Partner at Arctos. “We see significant opportunity at the convergence of live sports and real estate, and we wanted to be more than a capital provider in this space. RVX and Magellan have the track records and the operational know-how to deliver on complex projects like this, and together we can define how sports-anchored districts are conceived, built and operated.”

Universities, professional sports organizations and municipalities are increasingly seeking to transform the areas surrounding their venues into year-round destinations. Delivering these districts at scale requires significant capital, large-scale development expertise, and hands-on experience programming and operating entertainment venues, capabilities this partnership is designed to bring together under a single platform.

“We believe sports-anchored entertainment districts represent one of the most compelling opportunities in experiential real estate today,” said Taylor Gray, Principal of RVX Ventures. “With Arctos and Magellan as partners, we are building a platform with the expertise, relationships and capital needed to deliver transformative projects for universities, teams and communities across the country.”

Neyland Entertainment District is the first project for what the partners intend to be a national platform pursuing opportunities across the collegiate and professional sports landscape. The partnership’s model spans sourcing, capitalization, development and operations, allowing the team to take projects from concept through execution under a single structure. While the platform will operate at a national scale, each project is designed to reflect the identity and priorities of the community it serves.

“This project will be one of the great sports-anchored destinations in the country. It has it all: a passionate fanbase, legendary venue and a university committed to doing something transformative,” said J.R. Berger, President of Magellan Development Group. “Magellan has spent three decades reshaping neighborhoods and creating places that endure, and we’re excited to bring those same principles to the sports and entertainment space alongside RVX and Arctos. Neyland Entertainment District will set a new standard for what development adjacent to major sports assets can look like.”