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Welcome to Sportico’s transactions wire, a weekly rundown of personnel, partnerships, products and purchases across the sports business industry.
PERSONNEL
Arctos Promotes Alastair Seaman and Brian Lafemina to Partners
Private investment firm Arctos has promoted Alastair Seaman and appointed Brian Lafemina as partners. Seaman is being promoted to partner after nearly five years at the firm. Prior to joining Arctos, he held investing roles at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and HarbourVest Partners, among others. He has helped build Arctos’ presence in Europe and will continue to lead investment sourcing, diligence and portfolio management across the international sports strategy. Lafemina, who joined Arctos as an operating partner in April 2024, now steps into a full-time partner role. He has more than three decades of experience in sports operations, leadership and revenue generation—including roles with LA 2028, the NFL and Madison Square Garden Sports.
Dream Name Traci Messier VP of Communications and External Affairs
The Atlanta Dream have announced the hiring of Traci Messier as vice president of communications and external affairs. Messier brings more than two decades of experience in journalism, media relations and communications strategy. Most recently, she served as the director of corporate communications for the U.S. Soccer Federation, leading public relations efforts for the governing body of American soccer related to the construction of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, as well as supporting planning and preparation for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Rock Entertainment Sports Network Appoints Michael Conley as President
Rock Entertainment Sports Network (Rock Sports) has appointed Michael Conley as the network’s first president. Rock Sports, a joint venture between Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group and Gray Media, delivers 24/7 coverage of Ohio sports, from high school rivalries and college matchups to professional teams. Conley, who joined Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013, currently serves as executive vice president and chief information officer. He oversees the organization’s broadcast administration and information technology teams. Launched in August 2024, Rock Sports is home to more than 25 sports properties and teams, including the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and NBA G League Cleveland Charge.
Hamby, Stephens and Flores Join Athlete Roster for SI Women’s Games
Sports Illustrated released the first wave participants in the SI Women’s Games at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif., in October. Throughout the week, fans can come watch athletes including Diana Flores (flag football, Team Americas); Sloane Stephens (tennis; Team Americas); Dearica Hamby (basketball; Team Americas); Jordyn Poulter (volleyball; Team Americas); Jade Carey (gymnastics, Team Americas); Bryony Page (trampoline, Team World) Helen Maroulis (wrestling, Team Americas) and Raz Hershko (judo, Team World). These women, along with another 120+ athletes, will be competing over the six-day stretch, with one sport taking place each night.
PARTNERSHIPS
BTCC Exchange Enters Sports Sponsorships With NBA’s Jaren Jackson Jr.
Crypto exchange BTCC has announced 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and two-time NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as its global brand ambassador. With BTCC’s first sports sponsorship, the partnership is part of BTCC’s efforts to bring cryptocurrency closer to mainstream audiences.
Event Tickets Center Named Official Partner of TCL Boxing
TCL Team Boxing League (TCL), a professional boxing league with a team-based ownership model, has announced a new partnership with Event Tickets Center, naming the platform the Official Secondary Ticketing Partner and Resale Marketplace of the league through the end of the 2025 season. Event Tickets Center will have category exclusivity and the rights to leverage TCL league and team IP across its marketing and promotional efforts. The arrangement includes elements designed to maximize brand visibility across multiple platforms.
ADA North East, Armory Foundation Track Renew Partnership
The Armory Foundation announced the renewal of its partnership with American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) and New York dairy farmers at New York’ Armory . A partner since the 2021–22 indoor track and field season, ADA North East will continue its naming rights to the track-level café—stocked with locally sourced chocolate milk—and remain the title sponsor of the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Officials’ Hall of Fame Invitational, among other initiatives. As part of the renewed collaboration, the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Athletes of the Year will return for the second year. The Armory’s Nike Track and Field Center is the host of the annual Millrose Games.
PRODUCTS
Greg Olsen Launches Youth Inc. as Destination for Youth Sports Community
Former NFL All-Pro and broadcaster Greg Olsen announced the official launch of Youth Inc., a digital platform for youth sports with original storytelling, expert-driven content and a commerce marketplace. The launch marks an evolution of the Youth Inc. podcast, which Olsen began in 2022 as a way to explore the complexities of youth athletics from a parent’s perspective. The platform serves youth athletes, parents and coaches. Youth Inc.’s commerce platform is tailored to youth sports families, teams, schools and large youth sports organizations. The marketplace offers team and school branded merchandise.
Telemundo ‘Deportes Ahora’ Fast Channel Launches
Telemundo announced the launch of Telemundo Deportes Ahora, its 24/7 Spanish-language Sports FAST channel, debuting Aug. 14 initially on Peacock, Xumo Play, the NBC News FAST hub and Telemundo.com, with some content livestreaming on YouTube. Telemundo Deportes Ahora will roll out on additional platforms over the coming months. The new streaming channel delivers an always-on sports viewing experience, with more than 50 hours of new Spanish-language content weekly, including original programming, live shows and select live sporting events.
Chris Paul Unifies Business Operations
NBA star Chris Paul is forming the Chris Paul Collective, with David Schwab joining as president. The new entity will hold all of Paul’s enterprises, including Paul’s NBA business operations; CP3, LLC; Good Eat’n, his snack brand; Los Angeles-based production company Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment, which he co-owns with Words + Pictures; The Chris Paul Family Foundation; and CP3 Investments. Rounding out the portfolio is The Playbook Group, an events and experiential business.
PURCHASES
Novig Raises $18M Series A for Sports Prediction Market
Novig, the sports prediction market in the United States facing a cease-and-desist order from Arizona, announced the close of an $18 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Forerunner, with participation from existing investors Y Combinator, NFX, Perceptive Ventures and Gaingels. Novig, which was founded by Jacob Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah, combines prediction market and “sweepstakes” formats to sidestep most state gaming regulations.
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