The latest data point? Leading sports-focused MCN Whistle Sports -- still early in its first quarter (it only launched this past January) -- just received another $7 million investment from UK-based broadcasting giant BSKYB. And, expect more significant sums coming soon to Whistle Sports -- which I just recently profiled the company and interviewed CEO John West here on my blog -- as part of its still-open Series B round. This news follows Variety’s report just in the past couple days that Luxembourg-based RTL Group has acquired fashion-focused MCN StyleHaul.
Ahh yes, the growing internationalism of MCNs. It ain’t just for U.S.-based media companies anymore (let’s not forget German-based media giant ProSieben's major investment in Collective Digital Studio and own Euro-based Studio71 which now aims to expand across the pond to the U.S.). And, the rationale in this case is clear (just as it is in the case of StyleHaul). Language is rarely a barrier in sports content, meaning that sports (just like fashion) travels well. And, BSKYB -- already heavily and long-invested in sports -- can help to accelerate Whistle Sports’ international expansion (while it itself begins to play more aggressively in the mobile and digital-first content world, just as all other major “traditional” media companies need to be). The Whistle -- which essentially is a digital and mobile-first ESPN for millennials, by millennials -- had just recently opened a London office.
Whistle Sports now scores 8+ million subscribers and 1.25+ billion video views, despite the fact that it is still early in its game. That means that its growth is impressive. And, BSKYB’s investment brings the company’s overall investment to $25 million from long-time media giant Bob Pittman and others.
I know Whistle Sports well -- and am proud to count it as a client and congratulate them on yet another major strategic victory. I was first drawn to this MCN due to its impressive list of partnerships with virtually all major U.S. sports leagues, including the NFL and the MLB. Being a deal guy, I know that finalizing deals with major players like those notoriously challenging and complex organizations are no small feat. That reflects a highly talented and experienced executive team, led by CEO John West whom I have come to know. And, impressive they are.
Whistle Sports -- always high on my MCN “hit list” for major strategic moves (others include StyleHaul (gone), Mitu Networks and DanceOn). Not M&A yet. No need to go deep when you have a team like BSKYB helping you to rush your international play-book ahead to an eventual major liquidity victory.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar