Top 13 Sports Media and Broadcasting Investors in the US
Top 13 Sports Media and Broadcasting Investors in the US
The sports media and broadcasting industry in the U.S. plays a vital role in how fans engage with their favorite sports. Companies range from giant broadcasters, like ESPN, to streaming services and digital platforms that cater to niche audiences. These organizations offer a mix of live sports coverage, analysis, highlights, and original content. The sector is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of technology that enhances viewing experiences, such as augmented reality and on-demand options. Ultimately, the industry is shifting toward greater personalization, engaging younger audiences who demand immediate access and innovative storytelling in sports.
The investors featured in this list illustrate a variety of backgrounds, including venture capital firms and corporate giants. Based in key locations such as San Francisco and New York, these firms range in size from intimate teams to substantial organizations. Founded between 1977 and 2023, they collectively made over 1, a notable number of investments in combined ongoing projects and startups. Noteworthy in 2024, firms like 500 Global, Accel, and Y Combinator showcase a keen interest in the evolving sports media space.
Top 13 Sports Media and Broadcasting Investors in the US
1. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Blue Wire, a sports podcasting network that raised $1.2 million in a seed round in February 2020, and Mars Reel, which focuses on sports content and raised $125,000 in a pre-seed round in December 2015. These investments highlight their engagement in the sports media and broadcasting industry, alongside their broader focus on innovative startups globally.
2. Y Combinator
- Website: ycombinator.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 802
- LinkedIn: y-combinator
Y Combinator is a startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in The Athletic, a digital sports media company, participating in several funding rounds including a $50 million Series D in January 2020, a $40 million Series C in October 2018, a $20 million Series B in March 2018, and an initial Seed round in September 2016. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active role in the sports media and broadcasting sector, particularly through its support of The Athletic, which focuses on audience engagement, data, editorial teams, subscriptions, podcasts, and video content.
3. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)
- Website: av.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2023
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 258
- LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The fund provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, the fund has invested in Buzzer, which raised $20 million in a Series A round in June 2021, focusing on sports streaming and fan engagement. Additionally, the fund participated in the Seed Round for The Players' Lounge, which raised $1.5 million in October 2023, a platform aimed at enhancing athlete-fan interactions. Furthermore, their investment in Baseball United, which raised an undisclosed amount in July 2024, indicates a continued interest in the sports sector. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the sports media and broadcasting landscape.
4. Intel Capital
- Website: intelcapital.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1991
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: intelcapital
Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to its core technology investments, Intel Capital has made notable investments in the sports media and broadcasting sector. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for WSC Sports, a company that leverages AI to automate sports video highlights and enhance content distribution across various platforms. Their investments in WSC Sports include a $12 million Series B round in 2016, a $23 million Series C round in 2019, and a $100 million Series D round in 2022. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's commitment to supporting innovation in sports media, making them a relevant player in this industry.
5. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, SV Angel invested in Yardbarker Media, which raised $200,000 in a seed round in 2007, a platform that focuses on sports news and content. They also invested $10.5 million in Vox Media in a Series C round in 2010, a company that operates several sports-related media properties. These investments highlight SV Angel's engagement in the sports media and broadcasting sector, despite their broader focus on technology startups.
6. Accel
- Website: accel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 101
- LinkedIn: accel-vc
Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily in the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has made significant investments in Vox Media, a leading media company known for its sports coverage, including a Series E investment of $34 million in 2013, a Series C investment of $10.5 million in 2010, and a Series B investment of $8 million in 2009. These transactions highlight Accel's engagement in the media industry, particularly in companies that intersect with sports broadcasting and media, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio.
7. Greycroft
- Website: greycroft.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 20
- LinkedIn: greycroft-partners
Greycroft is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, based in New York City, that specializes in technology investments across various sectors, including software, sustainability, and consumer brands. The firm provides capital and expertise to startups and emerging companies, helping them grow and scale their operations. Notably, Greycroft has invested in StatMuse, a sports statistics software company, which raised $10 million in a Series A funding round, and Overtime, a digital media startup focused on sports content, which raised $9.5 million in Series A funding. Additionally, Greycroft participated in funding rounds for The Young Turks and Maker Studios, showcasing their involvement in media and content creation. These transactions highlight Greycroft's engagement in the sports media and broadcasting landscape, making them a relevant player in this sector.
8. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
- Website: nea.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has invested in The Players' Tribune, co-founded by Derek Jeter, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds. This platform is dedicated to sports media, focusing on athlete-driven content and video production, showcasing NEA's engagement in the sports media landscape. Their involvement in such a venture highlights their interest in the intersection of technology and sports media, making them a relevant player in this industry.
9. Tcg
- Website: tcg.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: the-chernin-group
The Chernin Group (TCG) is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2010. TCG focuses on building consumer businesses across various industries, including digital media and health and wellness. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams, helping them scale their operations and realize their visions. In the sports media and broadcasting context, TCG has made notable investments, particularly in The Athletic, a digital sports media company that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds (Series A, B, and C) to enhance its audience engagement and content offerings. Additionally, TCG acquired Barstool Sports, a prominent sports and pop culture media platform, further emphasizing their commitment to the sports media sector. Through these strategic investments, TCG has established itself as a key player in the sports media landscape.
10. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. In the realm of sports media and broadcasting, FJ Labs has made notable investments such as Betr, which raised a total of $50 million in Series A funding in 2022, focusing on sports betting. They also invested in HomeTeam Live, which raised an undisclosed amount in Series A, and The Curling Group, which secured $5 million in a Seed Round. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the sports sector, particularly in areas that intersect with media and broadcasting.
11. Elysian Park Ventures
- Website: elysianpark.ventures
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: elysian-park-ventures
Elysian Park Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in the sports industry, providing capital and strategic advisory services to companies at various stages of growth. Elysian Park Ventures focuses on sectors that intersect with sports, technology, health, and commerce, primarily targeting entrepreneurs and businesses in the sports sector seeking to innovate and expand. Notable transactions include investments in WSC Sports, a company that leverages technology to enhance sports video content, and Religion of Sports, which produces compelling sports narratives and has won multiple Sports Emmys. Their investment in COPA90 further highlights their engagement in sports media, as COPA90 is known for its digital content focused on soccer culture. These investments reflect Elysian Park Ventures' commitment to advancing the sports media landscape.
12. The Raine Group
- Website: raine.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 8
- LinkedIn: the-raine-group
The Raine Group is an investment bank founded in 2009, based in New York City, specializing in advisory and investment services within the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors. They provide a range of services including mergers and acquisitions advisory, private capital raising, and growth equity investments. The firm has a notable track record in the sports media and broadcasting context, having participated in significant transactions such as the Premier Lacrosse League, where they contributed to funding that supports league operations and original programming. They also invested in the East Asia Super League, which aims to grow basketball in Asia and enhance its media presence. Their involvement with TelevisaUnivision further showcases their engagement in media-related investments, reinforcing their position as a key player in the sports media landscape.
13. Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK
- Website: gannett.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1906
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: gannett
Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK is a prominent media company based in New York, known for publishing newspapers and providing digital marketing solutions. Founded in 1906, Gannett operates the national newspaper USA Today and numerous local media outlets, serving both consumers and businesses. The company focuses on delivering trusted journalism and marketing services to empower communities and enhance local business visibility. Notably, Gannett has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its presence in the sports media sector, including the acquisition of Golfweek magazine and website in 2016, which aims to bolster its efforts in the golf vertical. Additionally, Gannett has expanded its broadcasting capabilities by acquiring six television stations in Texas, further enhancing its reach in the media landscape. These transactions highlight Gannett's commitment to diversifying its media portfolio, including sports coverage, thereby establishing its relevance in the sports media and broadcasting industry.
Sports Media and Broadcasting Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Intel Capital | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1991 | 23 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| Greycroft | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2006 | 20 |
| New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
| Tcg | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2010 | 5 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| Elysian Park Ventures | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2016 | 3 |
| The Raine Group | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2009 | 8 |
| Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1906 | 0 |
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