The Future of Sports Media: RedBird IMI Invests in Front Office Sports

Sports enthusiasts are not only interested in the action on the field but also in the business and media behind it. Recognizing this growing trend, RedBird IMI has announced a strategic investment in Front Office Sports (FOS), a leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the business of sports. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way sports fans consume news and information, creating more compelling content that engages audiences worldwide.

Front Office Sports has established itself as the category leader in scale and engagement, with an impressive audience that generates over 150 million social impressions, 35 million newsletter opens, 10 million video views, and two million page views each month. The platform's content appears on screens in more than 50,000 buildings and venues across North America through its 15 distribution partners.

With its unique approach to covering the $324 billion sports industry, FOS has attracted blue-chip advertisers like Chevrolet, Invesco QQQ, New Balance, Cisco, PwC, FanDuel, Pepsi, Wendy’s, and Prudential. This demonstrates the platform's ability to capture the attention of highly sought-after audiences.

Adam White, Founder and CEO of Front Office Sports, understands the impact of the business of sports on culture. He states, "The business of sports has become ubiquitous in recent years, permeating across all corners of culture. It now commands mainstream attention and is part of even the most casual fan's daily content consumption." This understanding has shaped FOS' editorial strategy and product development, ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry.

The strategic investment from RedBird IMI will allow Front Office Sports to further expand its reach and content offerings. Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI, will join the FOS board of directors as its co-chair, alongside Jason Stein, managing partner of SC Holdings. Zucker is excited about the partnership and the opportunity to contribute to the platform's growth. He affirms, "Audiences are more interested than ever in the business of sports, and this investment will allow Front Office Sports to create even more compelling news content that draws people in."

SC Holdings, FOS' earliest investor, will continue to hold a significant minority stake in the business. Jason Stein, founder of SC Holdings, recognizes FOS' position as an important voice in sports media and the industry's innovative approach to coverage. He states, "Front Office Sports has become a clear leader and important voice in the growing sports media landscape. We were an early believer in their approach to covering sports in a way that would influence business leaders and inform fans. This credibility with highly coveted audiences will continue to separate them as they expand the business."

Front Office Sports' dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed, earning the platform prestigious accolades. It was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2021, AdWeek's Hottest in Sports in 2022, and listed on Inc. 5000 in 2023, recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.

With the backing of RedBird IMI and the expertise it brings, Front Office Sports is poised to become the go-to source for sports business news and analysis. This strategic partnership will shape the future of sports media, providing audiences with unparalleled coverage of the business side of their favorite games. As the industry continues to evolve, Front Office Sports will be at the forefront, delivering high-quality content that informs, engages, and captivates sports enthusiasts worldwide.

About Front Office Sports:

Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the business of sports. With an audience that generates over 150 million social impressions, 35 million newsletter opens, 10 million video views, and two million page views each month, FOS is the go-to source for sports business coverage. The platform's content appears on screens in more than 50,000 buildings and venues across North America. Front Office Sports has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2021, AdWeek's Hottest in Sports in 2022, and listed on Inc. 5000 in 2023, recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.

About RedBird IMI:

RedBird IMI is a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners and International Media Investments (IMI). RedBird IMI focuses on investing in premier companies across news, media, entertainment, sports, and live event verticals. With the backing of RedBird Capital Partners, a New York-based private-equity firm, and IMI, a global media company based in Abu Dhabi, RedBird IMI brings expertise and resources to its investment portfolio.