Monthly Archives: January 2026

Arkero Announces $6 Million Pre Seed Funding Round, Partnerships with major MLS, NWSL and EFL teams

Arkero, a new platform using all aspects of Artificial Intelligence to effectively run the day-to-day operations of complex organizations in sport, today announced a $6 million pre-seed funding round, and early partnerships with professional sports organizations across MLS, NWSL, and the English Football League.

The round was led by Roger Ehrenberg at Game Changers Ventures, with participation from Alexis Ohanian (776), David Tisch (BoxGroup), Garuda Ventures, Founders’ Co-op and strategic investors including Adrian Hanauer of the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign.

Arkero’s first partners include the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, San Diego FC and Bolton Wanderers FC. Initial deployments focus on integrating AI into matchday planning and season-ticket renewals to help teams streamline coordination, reduce manual work, and operate with greater clarity across disconnected tools.

In early deployments, the Sounders and Reign project over 50% improvement in efficiency savings around matchday planning in 2026 alone, driven by reduced manual work, faster decision-making, and fewer operational errors.

Arkero centralizes operational data, workflows, and decisions into a single system, allowing business teams to plan, execute, and adapt in real time – without adding headcount or new layers of complexity. Because it is being built by operators who have run clubs themselves, Arkero reflects the realities of sports businesses: small teams, complex events, constant deadlines, and no margin for error. As a result, teams gain back time, clarity, and confidence – and can focus on growing the business rather than managing around broken processes.

“I own a football club. I’ve sat in the meetings, lived the chaos, and felt the cost of running a business on Excel and email,” said Shivaas Gulati, CEO of Arkero, “ The opportunity exists because this is broken from the inside.”

After leaving Remitly, the company he co-founded in 2022, Gulati joined the ownership group of English club Southend United FC, a 119-year-old club competing in the National League. Drawing on his hands-on experience from Southend United – and advising organizations such as the Seattle Sounders – Gulati has applied the operational discipline and best practices developed at Remitly to the global sports industry, a market exceeding $500 billion annually.

“On and off the pitch, our business is about constantly looking ahead to identify what we can do better and how we can use technology and the right partners to gain a competitive edge,” said Sounders FC majority owner Adrian Hanauer. “Our investment in Arkero is aligned with this approach, accounting for not just where we are as an organization today, but where we need to be going forward.”

“We made intentional decisions to prioritize how our teams could be optimized through AI,”said Hugh Weber, President and Chief Business Officer of Sounders FC. “Partnering with Shivaas and the Arkero team allowed us to embed AI into our operating system rather than layering on software which has made the technology a durable part of our culture.”

“We look for companies that have a clear grasp of where both sports and business are headed, near term and long term,” said Roger Ehrenberg of Game Changers Ventures. “While many are still debating how AI fits into real business solutions, Arkero is delivering tangible results. They’ve already demonstrated real impact with partners like the Sounders and the Reign, and we’re proud to support them as they scale.”

“My biggest surprising launching Angel City FC was how devoid of tech the industry of sports was – all of my teams and my league are now supported by an operating system I’ve designed – but I know this isn’t an option for every owner and Arkero is building the must-have software teams need.” said Alexis Ohanian of 776. “If you’re hesitating to adopt AI, you’re already falling behind.”

Arkero is led by Gulati, Vamsi Narla, who leads product and engineering and Daniel Shi, who oversees business operations. The founding team spent nearly a decade together at Remitly, which went on to a successful $8B IPO on the Nasdaq.

TOGETHXR Makes Equity Investment in Sportsish with Strategic Partnership To Expand Female-Forward Storytelling

The fastest growing and most popular women’s sports media company of its kind, TOGETHXR today announced a strategic partnership and equity investment in Sportsish and its founder Lily Shimbashi to bring fresh perspectives on sports and pop culture, while staying true to the coverage fans love. The partnership meets audiences where they are, creating a new entry point that champions female-forward sports storytelling and expands the conversation to celebrate both women’s sports and women who are fans of all sports.

In addition to a new series in development, the partnership will feature on-the-ground coverage at major sporting events, including the launch of “Bestie Bowl,” a new Sportsish-led franchise debuting around the biggest game in sports this February. With stars converging on the Bay Area, Shimbashi plays bestie matchmaker – helping NFL players find their next great friendship by interviewing potential candidates and using her “patented” formula to crown the perfect new NFL bestie.

Through this partnership, TOGETHXR broadens its content and reach for female-forward storytelling, and Sportsish will maintain its unique voice and cultural perspective, strengthened by TOGETHXR’s infrastructure and resources, while expanding the collective distribution of both companies.

Co-founded in 2021 by world-renowned athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, Chloe Kim, and sports media veteran Jessica Robertson, TOGETHXR was created to elevate women’s sports and fill a longstanding gap in coverage. Since then, TOGETHXR has attracted 4 million social media followers and 200,000 newsletter subscribers in addition to producing a diverse slate of content, including podcasts, documentaries, scripted and unscripted programming, and a book.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sportsish into the TOGETHXR family and to celebrate Lily as a talented and dynamic creator with a unique voice that meets all sports fans through authentic storytelling,” said Kati Fernandez, TOGETHXR Chief Content Officer. “As Sportsish joins forces with TOGETHXR, it provides a powerful new connection with women who love sports across the board, while helping us grow with intention and make conversations bigger, bolder, and more engaging.”

Also founded in 2021, Sportsish has built a thriving community reaching more than 331,000 followers across social media, including 145,000 followers and 80% growth in the last year. Sportsish has generated 174 million total video views, earning 9.6 million engagements, more than 38 million total views, and 2.7 million engagements on TikTok alone in the last calendar year.

“It’s an honor to join forces with TOGETHXR to bring culture-driven sports content to a larger audience,” said Shimbashi. “The strategic partnership and investment allow us to remain an independent voice, backed by a trusted and mission-aligned media company, as we continue creating content that spans across the full spectrum of the entire sports landscape.”

For more information on the partnership, visit TOGETHXR.com.

Geno Auriemma Invests in 360 Hoops, Backing the Next Evolution of Basketball

360 Hoops, the emerging sports innovation company behind the patented three-in-one basketball system and circular gameplay format, today announced a landmark investment from Geno Auriemma, one of the most accomplished and influential basketball coaches in the history of the sport.

The Hall of Fame coach and 12-time National Champion said of 360 Hoops, “What stood out to me about 360 Hoops is that it doesn’t try to change basketball…it amplifies it,” said Auriemma. “More movement, more awareness, more decisions. Anything that gets players more involved and thinking about the game in real time is worth supporting.”

Auriemma’s investment and strategic advisory role mark a key validation for 360 Hoops as the company prepares for its official rollout in the second quarter of 2026, following extensive prototyping and pilot programming in 2025.

An Engagement Multiplier

360 Hoops is built around three integrated elements that can operate independently or together, forming a new basketball platform supported by patented intellectual property:

Product: A patented three-in-one basketball system
Gameplay: A proprietary circular format that allows players to score on any of three baskets
Activation: A customizable platform designed for community programming, events, and brand engagement

At the equipment level, the three-in-one system is designed to increase player involvement by creating more scoring opportunities, movement, and decision-making within a single play environment. The company’s flagship product, 360Flex, is a portable system adjustable from 4.5 to 10 feet and is scheduled to be available for purchase this spring. In addition to the portable system, the company plans to introduce a permanent in-ground version, with a ceiling-retractable, pro-grade model currently in development.

At the gameplay level, 360 Hoops introduces a proprietary 3v3v3 format played on a circular court, where players can attack and defend any of three baskets. The company states that up to five 360Flex systems can be operated within the general footprint of a traditional basketball court, enabling higher participation levels and expanded programming opportunities for facilities and operators. The company plans to host its own slate of tournaments while also partnering with approved operators to support broader adoption.

As an activation platform, 360 Hoops systems can be custom-designed for schools, clubs, municipalities, and brand partners, supporting signage, sponsorship, and experiential programming. The systems are designed to serve as focal points for community engagement while offering operators additional options for events and partnerships.

Drawing inspiration from how pickleball transformed tennis, 360 Hoops aims to do the same for basketball — offering a highly engaging, social, and accessible complement to the traditional game rather than attempting to replace it.

“Players learn by being involved,” Auriemma added. “This format forces awareness and decision-making in a way that reflects real basketball situations.”

Validation From a Trusted Voice in Basketball

Founded by Anthony Gomez and Shane Brey, 360 Hoops was built to expand participation, skill development, and engagement while preserving the fundamentals of the game. Auriemma’s investment aligns directly with that mission, reinforcing the company’s focus on scalable, community-based programming that enhances basketball without changing its core.

Shane Brey, Inventor and Co-Founder of 360 Hoops, said:
“Geno’s belief in what we’re building is incredibly meaningful. He sees the game better than anyone and understands what truly benefits players and communities. His investment validates 360 Hoops as a platform that enhances basketball and youth development without compromising the integrity of the sport we all love.”

Anthony Gomez, Co-Founder of 360 Hoops, added:
“This is a major vote of confidence in 360 Hoops as a company, and we don’t take it lightly. We’re grateful for Geno’s belief and know his support will accelerate our ability to scale, bring 360 Hoops to market, and deliver long-term value for the communities, partners, and players who experience it.”

Auriemma echoed that belief, saying:
“We need more ways to keep kids engaged with the game. 360 Hoops meets players where they are while still respecting basketball’s fundamentals.”

What’s Next
360 Hoops will launch sales this spring, introduce a nationwide slate of 360 Hoops Tournaments, and roll out its school experience model this fall. The company will also continue to announce additional investments, partnerships, and strategic initiatives in the coming months.

Kane County Cougars to Represent United States in 2026 Baseball Champions League

The American Association of Professional Baseball proudly announces that the Kane County Cougars will again represent the United States in the 2026 Baseball Champions League (BCL), the world’s only professional club championship tournament for baseball. The event will take place March 24–29, 2026, in Mexico City, and is hosted by the Mexico City Red Devils (Diablos Rojo del México), the 2025 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB) champions and 2025 BCL Americas winners

The event is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the same international governing body that oversees the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. BCL unites title-winning professional clubs from around the world in one elite competition. Coming on the heels of the World Baseball Classic this spring, the event extends baseball’s global spotlight by showcasing the world’s top professional teams, not national squads.

The 2026 field will feature league champions the Kane County Cougars of the American Association of Professional Baseball in the United States; Diablos Rojos del México of Liga Mexican de Béisbol in Mexico; Los Dantos de Managua from the Asociación Profesional de Béisbol Nicaragüense of Nicaragua; CTBC Brothers of Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan; Cuban National Series of Cuba (Team TBA); and Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional of Venezuela (Team TBA). The Taiwan representative is making a historic debut as Asia’s first representative. The event will maintain its round-robin and knockout format, building on the competitive intensity and success of the 2025 tournament.

“The Baseball Champions League is the world’s only global club championship, an event that celebrates the very best of professional baseball league champions at an international level,” said Josh Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “This is an opportunity to showcase the strength of American Association on a world stage, and we’re proud to see the Kane County Cougars carry that flag once again.”

The Kane County Cougars clinched their berth by winning the 2025 American Association Championship, earning the honor of representing both their league and the United States and Canada for the second straight year. Fargo Moorhead won the inaugural BCL Americas in 2023 with the RedHawks winning the first ever BCL title.

All Baseball Champions League games will be broadcast on ESPN Mexico, Unbeaten, and RYZ, with additional international broadcast and streaming partners to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

The 2023 and 2025 Baseball Champions League drew global attention as the first sanctioned event to unite professional champions from across the Americas. With the addition of Asia in 2026, the tournament marks a significant step forward for international professional club competition under the WBSC banner.

For more information on the American Association and Baseball Champions League, visit www.aabaseball.com and http://www.wbsc.org/en.

Kendall Jenner Puts The Internet’s Favorite Kurse To The Test In Fanatics Sportsbook’s & Fanatics Studios’ First Big Game Ad

Fanatics Sportsbook, the fastest growing sportsbook in America, is betting on Kendall Jenner with the launch of its first-ever Big Game commercial and Jenner’s first Big Game advertising campaign, “Bet on Kendall.” The campaign is the first production from the recently launched Fanatics Studios, the groundbreaking joint venture between Fanatics and OBB Media. Bolded, OBB’s branded entertainment division, served as the creative studio.

In the spot, Kendall leans into the long-running internet joke that any basketball player who gets close to her is subject to …consequences. Fueled by memes, real-life coincidences, and fan speculation, the so-called ‘Kardashian Kurse’ isn’t denied, but rather addressed head on, with Jenner making reference to her previous basketball boyfriends. With a wink and a nod, Jenner reveals that while the internet has been speculating about the Kurse, she’s been doing something far more strategic (and likely Kris Jenner approved): betting on it.

Set in a “kursed” mansion on a hill, the 30-second ad, which will air during halftime, and 90-second digital spot blend sharp comedy with high-gloss visuals and faceless exes as Jenner explains how she’s turned her rumored effect on men into winning bets on Fanatics Sportsbook. The result is a flirtatious, self-deprecating take on sports fandom that invites viewers to take a side… betting with her or betting against her on Fanatics Sportsbook once her pick for the Big Game is live.

Selena Kalvaria, Chief Marketing Officer at Fanatics Betting and Gaming, said: “The magic of this campaign is how Kendall Jenner transforms the lore of the Kardashian Kurse into something playful, participatory, and unmistakingly of the moment. With Fanatics’ unparalleled cultural influence in sports, ‘Bet on Kendall’ is the perfect way to bring Fanatics Sportsbook into the spotlight with Fanatics Studios and our incredible partners at OBB Media.”

“As our first official Fanatics Studios project since launch, ‘Bet on Kendall’ is exactly the kind of storytelling we are excited to be creating at Fanatics and OBB: content at the intersection of sports and culture, fit for the biggest stage in sports entertainment,” said Michael D. Ratner, Founder & CEO of OBB Media and CEO of Fanatics Studios.

The 360-degree campaign rolls out across multiple formats, including a 30-second broadcast spot airing during the Big Game, a 90-second extended digital film, short-form social cutdowns, and a high-impact out-of-home program that brings the “Kursed?” conversation into iconic real-world settings, all anchored by the campaign line “Bet on Kendall.” Fans are encouraged to follow along as Jenner makes her pick for sport’s biggest game and decide whether to bet with her or against her exclusively on Fanatics Sportsbook and earn a 100% profit boost on their bet, truly embodying its tagline: “Winning hits different here.”

Fans nationwide can “Bet on Kendall” using the Fanatics Sportsbook app beginning on Thursday, January 29, following the reveal of her pick on Wednesday, January 28 at midnight.

“Bet on Kendall” is a campaign for Fanatics Sportsbook, starring Kendall Jenner, produced by Fanatics Studios and OBB Media. Bolded, OBB’s branded entertainment division, served as the creative studio.

“Bet on Kendall” was executive produced by Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg, Simone Spira, and James Rowe for OBB, alongside Kendall Jenner, with Matt King, Selena Kalvaria, Johnny Dantonio, and Michael Fitzsimmons executive producing for Fanatics Sportsbook. The commercial was directed by Michael D. Ratner and Cameron Harris, with Ratner having conceived the concept.

American Association Of Professional Baseball Announces Strategic Partnership With Engine

The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) today announced a new partnership with Engine, which has been named the League’s Preferred Travel Booking Partner and a Preferred Supplier. This agreement, covering the 2026 season, represents an important advancement in delivering greater travel efficiency and cost savings for American Association clubs and stakeholders.

Engine is a modern business and group travel platform on a mission to power connection through simplified travel. As a result of this partnership, AAPB teams, staff, and affiliates can take advantage of a simple, all-in-one booking platform with hotel savings and flexible booking when they travel for games and meetings. Engine also offers dedicated support for large group travel, which will make it easier for professional organizations like AAPB to plan offsites and team meetings with room blocks and meeting spaces.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Engine into the AAPB family,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association. “Their innovative platform and commitment to service align perfectly with our mission to support our teams both on and off the field.”

Under the terms of the partnership, Engine will receive brand visibility across AAPB digital platforms and AABaseball.TV broadcasts. Engine will also participate in the American Association’s Preferred Supplier Program (PSP) and Business Alliance (AABA), gaining access to networking opportunities and strategic introductions with league stakeholders.

“At Engine, our goal is to save businesses time and money as they are booking travel. AAPB has complex travel needs across the country, from major metropolitan areas to rural towns, and this partnership will help their travelers focus less on logistical coordination and more in bringing value to their teams,” said Alex Melamud, CFO at Engine. “With Engine, AAPB travelers can take advantage of discounted and flexible hotel rates. We are proud to be part of the professional baseball ecosystem and to help teams and affiliates travel more efficiently throughout the season.”

Next League Hires Sports Industry Veteran To Bolster Executive Team

Next League, the company that advises, architects and operates complex technologies for the largest sports brands in the world, today announced the appointment of Scott Gutterman, a renowned sports industry veteran and expert in data-driven digital transformation, as its Chief Digital Officer.

In this role, Scott will work on end-to-end technology strategy and execution for the way Next League should manage and evolve its core offerings and position in the marketplace. He will bring both thought leadership and tactical execution to Next Leagues clients and prospects, and ensure that the company is exploring and deploying the most innovative digital media technologies. The appointment underscores Next League’s commitment to bringing strategic thinking rooted in real sports experience and turning leadership priorities into practical, measurable outcomes.

Prior to Next League, Scott had spent the last twenty years at the PGA TOUR, most recently as SVP, Digital & Broadcast Technologies. In this role, he led end-to-end technology strategy and execution for one of the world’s most recognized sports brands, shaping how digital, broadcast, and emerging platforms come together to engage fans and drive global growth. He has been a consistent champion of innovation, pioneering advancements such as Every Shot Live and AI-generated content, prototyping cloud-based production systems, and pushing into next-generation fan experiences across AI and spatial computing.

He played instrumental roles in building and managing the TOUR’s multimillion-dollar technology and marketing partnerships with industry leaders including AWS, Microsoft, Intel, and Adobe where he focused on aligning these advanced technologies with clear commercial objectives, ensuring tangible enterprise value. A data-driven operator, he consistently leveraged data science and analytics as core components of decision-making, using measurable KPIs to guide platform performance, inform product strategy, and drive business outcomes.

“I have been fortunate to know and work alongside Scott Gutterman for almost fifteen years,” said Next League CEO David Nugent. “As a proven leader,Scott brings a wealth of digital expertise, operational discipline, and strategic leadership that will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate Next League’s vision of being the leader in global sports technology services. We are thrilled to have him join our team and are excited to leverage his extensive expertise.”

“I’m excited to join Next League at such a pivotal moment,” said Gutterman. “There is an enormous opportunity to unlock new value through technology, deepen fan engagement, and build the next generation of digital capabilities. I am excited to work with the Next League team, including many of the people I’ve worked alongside for years, as we accelerate that vision.”

A recognized thought leader, Gutterman was named a 2022 Sports Technology Power Player by Sports Business Journal. He is a regular on the thought leadership circuit, representing the evolving intersection of sports, technology, and media at industry events including Sports Business Journal, AWS, Sports Video Group and Front Office Sports events, among others.

With this hire, Shripal Shah will transition to a role as Next League’s Chief AI and Innovation Officer. Shah joined Next League in January 2025 as its first Chief Digital Officer and has played an integral role in building this innovation-led capability. In this new role, Shah will continue to focus on emerging technologies, MarTech, and AI innovation and how sports organizations engage fans, increase fan loyalty, drive and diversify revenue and pioneer new avenues of digital transformation.

“In his new role, Shripal will dive deeper into the world of artificial intelligence, an area of incredible strategic importance to Next League, and explore how teams, leagues and federations can leverage emerging tech to acquire new customers and build new revenue streams,” said Nugent. “With Shripal and Scott in these new roles, Next League is positioned to help sports organizations build and manage the foundational technologies across Media Tech, Marketing Tech, and Sports Operations that will move their businesses forward.”