Playmaker Capital Shareholders Overwhelmingly Approve Better Collective’s €176m Acquisition

In a resounding show of support, shareholders of Playmaker Capital have overwhelmingly approved the acquisition of the company by Better Collective, with a staggering 99.9% in favor.

The acquisition, valued at €176 million, is set to usher in a new era for both entities, significantly enhancing Better Collective’s position in the Latam market while solidifying its presence in the United States.

This monumental agreement, scheduled to conclude in February, marks Better Collective’s second-largest acquisition to date, following its $240 million purchase of Action Network. The acquisition is poised to reshape the landscape of digital sports media and propel both companies to new heights.

Shareholder Confidence

The overwhelming support from shareholders during the Extraordinary General Meeting on January 22 was widely anticipated. A substantial 49.8% of Playmaker Capital’s shareholder capital is owned by directors, officers, and certain shareholders who had already expressed their consent for the deal.

This resounding vote of confidence sets the stage for a transformative journey for Playmaker Capital, Better Collective, and their stakeholders, as they combine forces to chart new territories in the world of sports media and digital entertainment.

Elevating the Game

Better Collective’s acquisition of Playmaker Capital underscores its commitment to becoming a dominant force in the industry. This strategic move positions Better Collective as a leading player in the Latam market while fortifying its US presence. It’s a pivotal moment for both companies as they leverage their strengths to achieve unrivaled success.

With Action Network CEO Patrick Keane stepping down in the wake of continued growth post-acquisition, a similar scenario is expected with Playmaker Capital’s leadership team. Their continuity will play a crucial role in steering the company toward a prosperous future.

Financial Success

The numbers speak for themselves. In Playmaker Capital’s Q3 financial report, it boasted €55 million in revenue for the trailing 12-month period, along with €15 million in EBITDA. These impressive figures reflect the company’s robust performance and potential for further growth.

Playmaker Capital’s impressive portfolio of sports media brands includes The Nation Network, Futbol Sites, Yardbarker, and Wedge, a pure affiliate marketing operator acquired in 2022. These assets position the company as a key player in the digital sports media landscape.

A Vision Realized

The acquisition fulfills a vision set forth by Playmaker Capital co-founder and CEO Jordan Gnat, who had described it as a “transformational deal” that would propel the company to new heights. Gnat expressed excitement over joining the Better Collective family, emphasizing the alignment of vision and culture between the two companies.

The integration and synergies between Playmaker Capital and Better Collective are expected to be highly accretive to shareholders, further solidifying their shared mission of becoming the leading digital sports media group.

A Path to Growth

Better Collective envisions a path to achieve a post-integrated Enterprise Value/EBITDA of 2026e below 5x, a significant improvement compared to the acquisition’s initial implied EV/EBITDA multiple of 11.7x based on publicly available financial documents. This ambitious goal will be realized through enhanced scale, increased investments in product, technology, and marketing, as well as operational synergies.

Better Collective also plans to elevate its portfolio by implementing performance-based marketing strategies across the business, optimizing its operations, and delivering even greater value to its stakeholders.

As the acquisition takes shape, both Playmaker Capital and Better Collective are poised for an exciting journey ahead, promising innovation and growth in the dynamic world of digital sports media.

Conclusion

With shareholder approval secured and a promising future on the horizon, Better Collective’s acquisition of Playmaker Capital is set to redefine the digital sports media landscape. This strategic move not only bolsters Better Collective’s position as a market leader but also promises greater value for shareholders and sports enthusiasts alike. As the two entities join forces, they are poised to achieve unparalleled success and become the dominant players in their field.