SeventySix Capital portfolio company, VSiN, Acquired by DraftKings

Full release via DraftKings:

DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) announced that it has acquired Vegas Sports Information Network, Inc. (VSiN), a multi-platform broadcast and content company delivering trusted sports betting news, analysis, and data to U.S. sports bettors since 2017. The acquisition will enable DraftKings, which is live with mobile and/or retail sports betting in 14 states, to further build out its content capabilities and will augment VSiN’s ability to broaden their audience alongside the expansion of legal sports betting in the U.S.

“VSiN creates authentic and credible content that resonates with sports bettors at every level, whether they’re experienced or new to sports betting,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ co-founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board. “In addition to its brand equity among sports bettors and engaging talent roster, VSiN also has an established infrastructure that DraftKings can immediately help expand, in the hopes of adding value to consumers who are looking to become more knowledgeable about sports betting.”

VSiN, which operates out of Las Vegas, develops, produces, and distributes up to 18+ hours of live linear sports betting content each day. In addition to its 24/7 stream, VSiN’s original content is accessible through multiple video and audio channels including Comcast Xfinity, Sling TV, fuboTV, Rogers’ Sportsnet, MSG Networks, NESN, AT&T Pittsburgh, Marquee Sports Network, a dedicated channel on iHeartRadio and TuneIn, as well as terrestrial radio stations throughout the country, and its growing slate of podcasts and betcasts. VSiN’s current talent roster includes Brent Musburger, legendary sports broadcaster; Michael Lombardi, former NFL executive; Gill Alexander, host of the Beating the Book podcast; and Pauly Howard and Mitch Moss, co-hosts of VSiN’s popular morning show, Follow The Money.

“We created VSiN as a destination for sports bettors to find the most credible content to help inform their wagering decisions,” said Brian Musburger, CEO of VSiN. “Harnessing the power and network of the DraftKings brand will allow us to reach an even wider audience with our unique content.”

DraftKings’ vision is for Brian Musburger and his leadership team to continue to manage day-to-day operations while maintaining editorial independence. DraftKings intends to fully integrate VSiN’s current employee base located in Las Vegas, including its on-air talent, into its 2,600 person global workforce. Since opening a Las Vegas office in January 2020, DraftKings has grown its local employee base by 132%. The Company also recently announced a multi-year agreement to become a primary sponsor of the Center for Gaming Innovation, housed within the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

About DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Headquartered in Boston, and launched in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator. DraftKings is a multi-channel provider of sports betting and gaming technologies, powering sports and gaming entertainment for 50+ operators in 17 countries. DraftKings’ Sportsbook is live with mobile and/or retail betting operations in the United States pursuant to regulations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product is available in 8 countries internationally with 15 distinct sports categories. DraftKings is the official daily fantasy partner of the NFL, MLB, NASCAR and the PGA TOUR as well as an authorized gaming operator of the NBA and MLB and an official betting operator of the PGA TOUR.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside DraftKings’ control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see DraftKings’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings. DraftKings does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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SeventySix Capital portfolio company, Vigtory, Acquired by FuboTV

The company said its expected expansion into wagering and interactivity will further differentiate it from its competitors.

Free-to-play predictive games will mark the beginning of FuboTV’s gambling roadmap, it said, which it believes will enhance the sports streaming experience while providing a bridge between its video service and sportsbook.

The acquisition of Vigtory allows FuboTV to accelerate the launch of its Fubo Sportsbook. The brand has secured its first market access deal in Iowa through Casino Queen.

It has also signed agreements with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to become an authorized gaming operator of each league.

The agreements mean Fubo will have access to official data and may include MLB and NBA league marks and logos within the Fubo Sportsbook when it is rolled out.

FuboTV plans to launch its free-to-play predictive games in the third quarter of 2021, first to FuboTV subscribers and later to all consumers.

Its sportsbook brand is expected to launch in the fourth quarter. (via iGB North America)

SeventySix Capital Promotes Chad Stender To Partner

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (January 8, 2021) - SeventySix Capital, the sports tech venture capital company that focuses on investing in seed and early-stage sports tech, esports and sports betting companies, is excited to announce that Chad Stender was promoted to Partner. Additionally, Scott Powell was promoted to Analyst and James Santore to Director of Marketing.

Stender has been working at SeventySix Capital for nearly a decade and was previously a Managing Director. Stender focuses on deal sourcing and leads finance, operations and investor relations for the fund. He currently sits on the board of directors of two of SeventySix Capital’s portfolio companies, FORTË and Vigtory.

Stender was awarded the 2018 Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2018 Southern New Jersey Business People’s 40 Under 40. Prior to joining the company, Stender worked for the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, co-led a sports accessory startup, and interned for the Philadelphia 76ers and The Walt Disney Corporation. 

Stender has been involved on the non-profit boards of Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Challah for Hunger and Tribe 12. He received his Bachelors of Business from James Madison University and received his Master's degree from East Stroudsburg University in Sport Management.

“Chad is a critical member of our leadership team at SeventySix Capital including the incredible support he provides to our portfolio companies,” said Managing Partner Wayne Kimmel. “Jon Powell and I believe this is the time to recognize the dedication and hard work of Chad, Scott and James and promote them to new positions as we embark on exciting initiatives in 2021.”

“I am thrilled to become a Partner at SeventySix Capital,” said Stender. “Our team and I have worked hard to position ourselves at the epicenter of the sports industry, accelerate our business and continue to work with entrepreneurs to build the next generation of companies in the sports tech, esports and sports betting industries.

Scott Powell, who previously was an Associate, was named to the role of Analyst where he will focus on managing the deal flow process and due diligence. Prior to SeventySix Capital, Scott interned at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Rubicon Talent and Whistle Sports. He received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and earned his Master’s degree in Sport Management from Drexel University.

James Santore, who was previously the Chief of Staff, is taking on the role of Director of Marketing, where he will be responsible for communications, social media and producing SeventySix Capital’s Leadership Series. Santore is also the Founder of the La Salle Legends Foundation, whose mission is to reinstate the La Salle University Baseball team. He is the host of the Skyline Spew Podcast and is a blogger for Branded Sports. Prior to SeventySix Capital, he worked at Independence Blue Cross. Santore received his undergraduate degree from La Salle University where he was a Pitcher on their Division I baseball team.

About SeventySix Capital

SeventySix Capital is a sports tech venture capital company that invests in passionate, smart and nice entrepreneurs who are launching game-changing tech startups in the sports tech, esports and sports betting industries.

SeventySix Capital also has a Sports Advisory business, Athlete Venture Group, media arm, and a strategic partnership with Rubicon Talent.

SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory is a sports consulting group comprised of an expert team focused on bringing the emerging innovations and technology to sports executives, teams, leagues, brands and athletes. The Sports Advisory works side by side with these change-makers across the evolving landscape of sports, including esports, sports betting, media and social responsibility.

SeventySix Capital’s Athlete Venture Group allows players to invest, learn, and work directly with top sports tech startups and entrepreneurs. The firm aims to bridge the gap between athletes, entrepreneurs, and investors by creating opportunities for athletes to become tech investors and for entrepreneurs to access the financial and social capital that professional athletes have to offer.

The media arm of SeventySix Capital supports its portfolio companies, runs events, and produces the SeventySix Capital Leadership Series video podcast.

Additionally, SeventySix Capital has a strategic partnership with Rubicon Talent, a sports marketing and talent agency based in New York City with a wide range of clients including NFL and NBA stars, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Heisman Trophy winners, Olympic icons, media personalities, and celebrity chefs.

Click here to learn more about SeventySix Capital

Contact

James Santore

Director of Marketing, SeventySix Capital

james@seventysixcapital.com

(609) 605-1698 

Former CBS RADIO CEO Dan Mason Joins SeventySix Capital

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (October 30, 2020) - SeventySix Capital, the sports tech venture capital company that focuses on sports tech, esports and sports betting companies, announces that Dan Mason has joined the team as a Venture Partner and Strategic Advisor. Mason will focus his efforts across SeventySIx Capital’s venture capital funds, Sports Advisory practice and media opportunities.

Mason served as President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS RADIO until his retirement in 2015. In that role, he oversaw CBS RADIO’s 117 stations across 26 markets, including all of the Top 10 markets such as WFAN in New York and WIP-FM in Philadelphia, as well as the day-to-day operations of the division. 

Currently, Mason is the Chairman of SeventySix Capital’s portfolio company, VSiN - The Sports Betting Network. 

“I’ve been working closely with Dan and the top executives at VSiN for the last several years,” said SeventySix Capital Managing Partner Wayne Kimmel. “Dan’s media expertise, business strategy and relationships have proven to be incredibly helpful. We cannot wait for him to provide similar guidance to us and our companies.”

“I am excited to join the team at SeventySix Capital,” said Mason. “There is tremendous opportunity to reimagine the entire sports industry and I look forward to investing, advising and making strategic introductions for our sports portfolio companies.”

Mason initiated an aggressive growth strategy at CBS RADIO including the launch of CBS Sports Radio, a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week lineup of national programming from premier entities CBS RADIO and CBS Sports. Under Mason’s leadership, CBS RADIO also took a number of steps to expand its digital presence; including building the online audio streaming platforms Radio.com and creating mobile applications that allow listeners to interact with CBS RADIO stations on the go, and expanding its use of online video to complement the division’s over–the-air programming.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Mason graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and in 2006 was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from that institution. He has won several awards including most recently the 2020 Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame Award presented to the pioneers, leaders and innovators in the media who have made exceptional contributions to the industry throughout their career. 

Mason currently serves on the board of The Broadcasters Foundation of America, an organization that serves those in acute financial need within the radio and television industries. He also served several years on the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters which presented him in 2012 with their National Radio Award for outstanding leadership within the radio industry.  In 2015, Dan Mason was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame at the Museum of Broadcast and Communications in Chicago.  

He also previously served as Senior Advisor for Broadcast Relations to iHeartMedia of New York, America’s largest-reach media company. In that capacity, he advised the company on current and developing issues as they relate to the broadcast radio industry, government relations and important industry associations, including the National Association of Broadcasters. 

Upon retirement from CBS Radio, Dan returned to where his broadcasting career began. Dan Mason resumed a sportscasting career as a radio and television analyst specializing in women’s college basketball on the CBS Sports Network. He also is an analyst on thoroughbred horse racing for the Horse Racing Radio Network, having been a thoroughbred owner for several decades.

About SeventySix Capital

SeventySix Capital is a sports tech venture capital company that invests in passionate, smart and nice entrepreneurs who are launching game-changing tech startups in the sports tech, esports and sports betting industries.

SeventySix Capital also has a Sports Advisory business, Athlete Venture Group, media arm, and a strategic partnership with Rubicon Talent.

SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory is a sports consulting group comprised of an expert team focused on bringing the emerging innovations and technology to sports executives, teams, leagues, brands and athletes. The Sports Advisory works side by side with these change-makers across the evolving landscape of sports, including esports, sports betting, media and social responsibility.

SeventySix Capital’s Athlete Venture Group allows players to invest, learn, and work directly with top sports tech startups and entrepreneurs. The firm aims to bridge the gap between athletes, entrepreneurs, and investors by creating opportunities for athletes to become tech investors and for entrepreneurs to access the financial and social capital that professional athletes have to offer.

The media arm of SeventySix Capital supports its portfolio companies, runs events, and produces the SeventySix Capital Leadership Series video podcast.

Additionally, SeventySix Capital has a strategic partnership with Rubicon Talent, a sports marketing and talent agency based in New York City with a wide range of clients including NFL and NBA stars, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Heisman Trophy winners, Olympic icons, media personalities, and celebrity chefs.

Click here to learn more about SeventySix Capital

Contact

James Santore

Chief of Staff & Director of Brand Strategy, SeventySix Capital

james@seventysixcapital.com

609) 605-1698

Vigtory Adds Former President of MGM Interactive Scott Butera As Co-CEO

Vigtory, a SeventySix Capital sports betting portfolio company, added Scott Butera as its Co-CEO. He is joining forces with the company’s current CEO, Sam Rattner. Butera has also joined Vigtory’s Board of Directors that includes SeventySix Capital Partner Chad Stender.

Rattner founded Vigtory with a vision to create the most innovative, consumer-first sportsbook in the U.S. market - founded on the principles of product, price and state-of-the-art customer experience. Built exclusively for the American bettor, Vigtory delivers first-in-class product through frictionless betting functionality, superior pricing and VIP loyalty, all of which create the most comprehensive platform in the industry. Butera, who shares Rattner’s vision, brings 30 years of executive management and operational expertise across casino operations, sports betting and iGaming. Butera will lead strategy and corporate growth for the emerging sports betting and interactive gaming company.

Prior to joining Vigtory, Butera was President of Interactive Gaming at MGM Resorts International, where he was responsible for the development and operations of sports betting and online gaming across online and traditional platforms. Butera oversaw MGM Resorts’ professional sports partnerships, as well as its digital media strategy. While at MGM Resorts, Butera was instrumental in the launch of BetMGM, the product of Roar Digital, MGM’s joint venture with GVC Holdings. He played a key role in the formation of MGM Resorts’ historic gaming partnerships with the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and BetMGM’s partnership with the National Lacrosse League. Butera also helped form groundbreaking partnerships with Yahoo! Sports and Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as a market access partnership with Boyd Gaming.

Preceding MGM Resorts, Butera was Commissioner of the Arena Football League, President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, CEO of Tropicana Entertainment, Chief Operating Officer of the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, President of Metroflag Management, and President, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. His financial background includes 20 years in investment banking with UBS Investment Bank, Credit Suisse First Boston, Smith Barney and Bear Stearns & Co, and Coopers & Lybrand in New York.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining Vigtory. While US sports betting and interactive gaming is off to a tremendous start, there are countless opportunities in underserved sectors. Sam and I share a common vision to create a state-of-the-art customer experience, bringing unique sports betting products and a level of sophistication to a market that’s ripe for disruption,” said Butera.

Rattner comments, “My blueprint for building Vigtory has always been to arm the company with specific knowledge, domain expertise and thought-leadership. For 30 years, Scott has helped successfully build and scale some of the most prominent companies in sports and gambling across the United States. I couldn’t be more excited for Scott to be on board.”

Ahead of Vigtory’s launch this Fall, the Company is finalizing deals with professional sports leagues and media outlets alike, utilizing technology to create cutting-edge products across pricing, live-streaming, and data & analytics. Vigtory is securing market-access in multiple jurisdictions across the United States and is currently expanding the team and hiring talent. Sports technology venture fund SeventySix Capital invested in the Chicago based startup and Managing Director Chad Stender holds a board seat.

About VIGTORY 

Comprised of sports marketing and legacy gaming executives, Vigtory is reinventing what it means to bet on sports. Entering the industry as the most competitively priced sportsbook in the U.S. market, Vigtory is unrivaled in the fact that its in-app insights and data empowers their bettors to wager in complete confidence. Vigtory delivers an unparalleled product through progressive innovation, ultimately improving fan engagement. Unsatisfied with the current sportsbook offerings, Vigtory was founded by bettors who sought to tackle the most strategic challenge that sportsbooks face: how to build the greatest betting experience at the best possible price.

Click here to learn more about Vigtory

Contact
Taylor Tashima
media@betvigtory.com