Playfly Lands Bain Capital For Future Growth
September 4, 2026
Bain Capital’s Private Credit Group has provided a $250 million senior credit facility to support the continued expansion of Playfly Sports, a revenue maximization company backed by Access Holdings. The new financing enables Playfly to scale its offerings across sports media, sponsorship, and technology while helping industry partners navigate an increasingly dynamic market. This transaction deepens the ongoing investment partnership between Bain Capital and Access Holdings, drawing on Bain's global private credit platform to fuel Playfly’s next growth phase.
“We have built Playfly into a leading revenue maximization agency in the sports industry by earning the trust of our partners and continually expanding the depth and scale of our capabilities,” Craig Sloan, Playfly Sports CEO said. “We are grateful for the support of Access Holdings and excited to partner with Bain Capital, one of the world’s leading private investment firms, as we enter this next phase of growth. This financing strengthens our capital structure and provides additional flexibility to continue investing in innovation, enhancing our offerings, and creating even greater long-term value for our partners and the broader sports ecosystem.”
NBA fines Clippers $30M, drops hammer on Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard: Live updates
Following an 11-month investigation into salary cap circumvention via "no-show" endorsement deals, the NBA hit the Los Angeles Clippers with a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks. The league also suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year, issued suspensions for top executives Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank, fined Kawhi Leonard $700,000, and banned Leonard's uncle, Dennis Robertson, from NBA player business for five years. While Leonard avoided a suspension and accepted the decision as he prepares to rejoin the Toronto Raptors, the Clippers vehemently rejected the findings and pledged to challenge the penalties through arbitration.
USA Today
Premier League Clubs Spend Record $4.7B on Player Transfers
English Premier League clubs spent a record $4.7 billion during the recent summer transfer window, driven by expanding revenues and global popularity despite league efforts to implement financial sustainability rules. Spending was heavily dominated by top teams like Manchester City, which set a single-window club record of $618 million by purchasing stars like midfielder Enzo Fernandez. This historic spending surge far outpaced other major European leagues and is expected to put increased pressure on leagues like Major League Soccer as they align with international calendar standards.
Front Office Sports
Bill Simmons breaks silence on bizarre FanDuel betting scandal
Sports podcaster Bill Simmons addressed a controversy on his podcast after revealing he had his daughter's boyfriend place FanDuel wagers for him in Massachusetts while he was located in California. Simmons stated he was unaware that proxy betting is prohibited by online sportsbooks, resulting in FanDuel voiding his wagers. The incident triggered an investigation by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, leaving open the potential for further scrutiny or penalties from regulators.
New York Post
Prime Video becomes local streaming home for six NHL teams
Prime Video and the NHL announced an agreement making the streamer the exclusive local rights holder for six franchises—the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues—starting with the 2026–27 season. The transition follows the recent collapse of regional sports broadcast platforms Main Street Sports Group and Victory+, which previously held local rights for these teams. Under the deal, Prime Video will distribute local telecasts within each team's regional territory, while the NHL's newly formed internal production arm will handle game broadcasts for several of the impacted clubs.
Yahoo Sports
Lambeau Field to host Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State in Frozen Tundra Faceoff
Lambeau Field will host the Travel Wisconsin Frozen Tundra Faceoff on Saturday, February 20, 2027, following the Green Bay Packers’ season. The college hockey doubleheader features a women’s matchup between Wisconsin and Ohio State, followed by a Big Ten men’s game between the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines. Tickets for the historic event go on sale to the general public on September 11, with presale access starting September 9 at frozentundrafaceoff.com/presale.
WBAY
Details revealed for vision behind Blackpool’s Phoenix Arena
The proposed Phoenix Arena is an independently developed concept by Carters Building Consultancy for a 20,000-seat multi-purpose venue designed to rejuvenate Blackpool's local economy and entertainment industry. Backed by a £20m government fund to explore delivery, the flexible facility aims to host year-round international music concerts, indoor sporting events, conventions, and family entertainment. The broader vision includes surrounding restaurants, cafés, public plazas, and hospitality spaces to extend Blackpool's coastal visitor economy well beyond the traditional holiday season.
The Stadium Business
Jessica Pegula: Tennis Influencers Have Become ‘A Little Too Much’ at US Open
Jessica Pegula voiced frustration over influencer behavior at the US Open, stating that match disruptions—such as content creators using bright lights in the stands—have made things "a little too much" and feel disrespectful to competing athletes. While Pegula and fellow player Aryna Sabalenka acknowledge that social media creators help market the tournament's fan experience and attract broader attention to tennis, players and former pros share concerns over match interruptions and rising ticket prices pricing out traditional fans. In response, USTA representatives emphasized that chair umpires can address disruptions directly while the tournament uses ticket communications and stadium video boards to remind attendees to avoid interfering with play.
Front Office Sports
Nashville Predators. Creative Services Project Manager.
The Creative Services Project Manager will manage projects from initial intake and briefing through creative development, approvals, production, installation, and final delivery. This individual will ensure projects are clearly scoped, appropriately prioritized, efficiently resourced, delivered on time and on budget, and aligned with Nashville Predators & Bridgestone Arena brand standards. Apply Now.
United Football League. Director, Design.
The Director, Design is a visionary, strategic and highly collaborative design leader who will shape the visual identity of the league and its eight teams across every major brand touchpoint. This is bigger than making things look great. It's about building a visual identity fans recognize instantly, partners are excited to be part of, and the broader sports industry takes notice of. Apply Now.
IRONMAN. Senior Tax Accountant.
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to assist with the preparation of the U.S. annual consolidated tax provision and corporate income tax returns, covering approximately 30 states, and to support various international tax filings. The role includes assisting with preparing quarterly estimated tax payments and coordinating payment requests. A solid understanding of accounting principles is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate is organized, eager to learn, and able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Apply Now.
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Notre Dame to honor the late Lou Holtz with helmet decal during 2026 season
Notre Dame's football team is honoring former head coach Lou Holtz during the 2026 season by wearing a special "LOU" helmet decal featuring a black-and-white graphic with matching hand signals. Holtz, who passed away in March at age 89, spent 11 seasons leading the Fighting Irish from 1986 to 1996 and delivered the program's most recent national championship in 1988 with an undefeated 12-0 record. Beyond his 100 victories at South Bend and 249 overall career wins, Holtz left a lasting legacy at the university by introducing iconic traditions like the "Play Like A Champion Today" sign and keeping player names off the back of the team's jerseys.
CBS Sports
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