Sportico's Transactions Update: June 6 Recap - A Compilation of Deals and Mergers in the Sports World
Hop on the Sports Bandwagon with Sportico's Weekly Update
Welcome aboard to Sportico’s transactions log, your go-to guide diving into the sports business industry's latest personnel shifts, commercial collaborations, and product drops. Buckle up!
On the Mic: USMNT Legend Clint Dempsey Joins Men in Blazers Media Network
Former US Men's National Team (USMNT) star, Clint Dempsey, has jumped on board with the Men in Blazers Media Network! Dempsey, a beloved figurehead in American soccer, will serve as a lead analyst and anchor a show, “The Deuce,” focusing on USMNT coverage leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Behind the Scenes: Donna Freislinger Huffman Joins Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) has assigned Donna Freislinger Huffman as Senior Vice-President of Global Procurement. Huffman's role will focus on optimizing OVG's procurement methods across all sectors and enhancing the overall commercial viability of the company.
Pivoting Roles: Jill Kelley Joins Hogan Levells, Gil Beverly Joins Playfly Aspire
Ex-New York Jets general counsel Jill Kelley has hopped aboard Hogan Levells as a partner in the New York office. Meanwhile, Playfly Sports has welcomed Gil Beverly as President of Playfly Aspire, committed to investing in partnerships that unlock untapped revenue streams.
Cashing In: Heineken, MotoGP Ink Deals, Fubo, DAZN Team Up
Heineken's zero-percent alcohol beverage is officially an integral part of #F1TheMovie. Meanwhile, MotoGP has sealed a significant partnership with Two Circles, targeting growth in U.S. and U.K. markets. FuboTV and DAZN have also joined forces, enabling customers to enjoy live sports streams with Prime delivery.
Empowering Women in Sports: Just Women’s Sports, Amazon Team Up
Just Women's Sports has struck a partnership with Microsoft and Lisa Leslie for a new video series, Between the Lines, and JWS Playmakers – a creator-driven studio focusing on developing new voices in women's sports media.
On the Field and Beyond: Savannah Bananas, Amazon Collaborate
The Savannah Bananas will make their broadcast television debut, teaming up with Amazon as their official retail partner. Viewers can snag exclusive merchandise from the team's official storefront on Amazon.
Tying up the Laces: PGMOL Partners with PUMA, GSE to Boost Dick's Sporting Goods
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has joined forces with PUMA, supplying officials with match and training kits from the 2025/26 season. In other news, talent procurement agency GSE is now working with Dick's Sporting Goods, providing brand consulting and experiential support.
Stay in the Game: Genius Sports Inks Deal with iSpot, SailGP Joins Sports Betting Marketplace
Genius Sports, a leading data partner in sports, media, and betting, has formed a strategic partnership with TV measurement company iSpot. SailGP, a global racing championship, has entered the sports betting marketplace ahead of the Mubadala NY Grand Prix for enhanced fan engagement.
Plus, a New Chapter for Tom Brady's GOAT Gummies:
Get a taste of Tom Brady's GOAT Gummies, now available exclusively on Gopuff! Brady, an investor in Gopuff, is working with the company to develop new products and engage fans.
Bonus: Sports Business Trends
As of May 23, 2025, sports business transactions include:
- San Francisco 49ers' Billion-Dollar Boost: The York family is selling a 6% stake, valuing the San Francisco 49ers at over $8.5 billion.
- Los Angeles Chargers' Stake Sale: Arctos has reportedly been granted approval to buy an 8% stake in the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving the Spanos family with a controlling interest.
- NFL Financial Milestones: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants have both seen significant valuation increases through equity sales.
For the latest updates, make sure to check out Sportico’s dedicated Transactions Wire!
- Clint Dempsey, a renowned figure in American soccer, is set to analyze sports more closely as he joins the Men in Blazers Media Network, focusing on coverage of the US Men's National Team (USMNT) leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
- Donna Freislinger Huffman has been appointed as the Senior Vice-President of Global Procurement by Oak View Group (OVG), tasked with optimizing the company's procurement methods across all sectors.
- Jill Kelley, former general counsel of the New York Jets, has joined Hogan Levells as a partner, stationing herself in their New York office, while Gil Beverly has taken on the role of President of Playfly Aspire, aiming to invest in partnerships that generate untapped revenue.
- Heineken, MotoGP, FuboTV, and DAZN have all managed to secure beneficial collaborations, with Heineken's zero-percent alcohol beverage becoming part of the #F1TheMovie, and FuboTV and DAZN merging for live sports streaming.
- Collaboration is key for the empowerment of women in sports, as Just Women's Sports partners with Microsoft, Lisa Leslie, and Amazon for a new video series and creator-driven studio dedicated to developing voices in women's sports media.
- The Savannah Bananas have teamed up with Amazon, making their broadcast television debut, and giving viewers the opportunity to purchase exclusive merchandise from the team's official store on Amazon.
- In the world of football (soccer), PGMOL has partnered with PUMA to supply officials with match and training kits, while talent procurement agency GSE works with Dick's Sporting Goods, providing brand consulting and experiential support.
- Sports businesses continue to evolve, with the San Francisco 49ers seeing a significant valuation increase through the sale of a 6% stake, and the Los Angeles Chargers welcoming Arctos as their new co-owners, while the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants record sizeable valuation increases through equity sales. Keep an eye on Sportico’s dedicated Transactions Wire for the latest updates.
- Tom Brady's GOAT Gummies are now available exclusively on Gopuff, with Brady working closely with the company to create new products and engage fans.
