PWHL secures $100m+ investment from Kilmer Sports Ventures and Ilitch Companies 🏒
The Professional Women's Hockey League has accepted outside capital for the first time since its founding, with Kilmer Sports Ventures, the private investment firm led by Larry Tanenbaum, which also holds stakes in the WNBA's Toronto Tempo and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, committing $100 million as a strategic partner. Ilitch Companies, parent of the Detroit Red Wings, joined the round at an undisclosed amount. The capital is not earmarked for a specific purpose but is designed to support the league's rapid growth trajectory: the PWHL is expanding from 8 to 12 teams next season, having already broken the US women's hockey attendance record eight times since 2024.
"More important than their investment is what they bring us in terms of their stature, in terms of their experience and their connections, their networks, all of those things are going to be vital as we continue to grow. We’re on the ground floor of what is going to be a skyscraper. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”
— Stan Kasten, Member of the PWHL Advisory Board, President & CEO, LA Dodgers
Bay Collective completes majority acquisition of Sunderland AFC Women ⚽
Bay Collective, the multi-club women's football ownership platform backed by global investment firm Sixth Street, has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Sunderland AFC Women following formal WSL approval. Sunderland becomes the second club in Bay Collective's portfolio alongside Bay FC of the NWSL, with Sunderland AFC retaining a minority stake. Led by CEO Kay Cossington MBE, Bay Collective's investment will focus on player development, infrastructure at the Academy of Light and the matchday experience, framing the deal as a long-term structural bet on the women's club as a commercially viable global property.
“This is a significant and exciting step for our Club, and we are thrilled to partner with Bay Collective for the future of Sunderland Women. “Bay Collective brings world-class expertise and a genuine belief in what this Club can become, and we look forward to what this partnership will deliver for our players, our Academy, and our fans.”
— Tom Burwell, CEO, Sunderland AFC
Pau Gasol tables €55 million proposal to take over Liga F's commercial rights 🏟️
Former NBA star Pau Gasol, via his investment vehicle Gasol16 Ventures, has submitted a €55 million proposal to manage and develop the commercial rights of Spain's top-flight women's football league, Liga F. The proposal is due to be considered by clubs at an Extraordinary Assembly on 29 June. If approved, it would represent one of the largest single private commitments ever made to a women's football competition, with Gasol's vehicle targeting broadcast distribution, sponsorship development and international expansion of the league's commercial footprint.
Vodafone renews as official partner of Women's Volleyball Nations League in Türkiye 📱
Vodafone Türkiye has renewed its partnership with Volleyball World for a third consecutive year as official partner of the Women's Volleyball Nations League stop in Türkiye, this year held in Ankara. The collaboration has evolved from its origins in 5G-powered live match statistics in Antalya in 2024 into a broader fan engagement platform, with a new activation planned for 2026 using Vodafone's 5G infrastructure. The renewal extends Vodafone's wider volleyball presence in Türkiye, which also includes a partnership with the Turkish Volleyball Federation.
Boyle Sports named title partner of NIFL Women's Premiership in landmark £1m+ deal 🏉
Bookmaker Boyle Sports has been confirmed as title partner of the NIFL Women's Premiership as part of a three-year agreement with the Northern Ireland Football League, the first partnership in NIFL's history valued at more than £1 million. Boyle Sports also retains title sponsorship of the NIFL Women's Cup. The deal includes branded playing kit, matchday environments, broadcast highlights and digital content, alongside a responsible gambling awareness initiative across NIFL clubs.
"Becoming Title Partner across the Premiership, Championship and Women’s Premiership reflects our belief in the clubs, supporters and communities that make the game so strong. This partnership gives us the opportunity to support that growth, enhance fan experience and use our platform to positively engage with fans and the wider football community.”
— Vlad Kaltenieks, CEO, BOYLE Sports
Sisk becomes official sponsor of Netball Ireland's international women's team 🏗️
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), the first professional women's softball league backed by Major League Baseball, has signed a multi-year deal naming StubHub as its Official Ticket Marketplace and Open Distribution Partner. The deal expands an existing Athletes Unlimited Basketball partnership with StubHub and gives fans a new secondary market route to AUSL games nationwide.
“Netball Ireland’s women’s team embodies the ambition, leadership and resilience we champion in Sisk so our partnership with The Emeralds is a natural fit. We are very proud to support a team of female athletes who excel on the court and also champion greater representation for women across sport and construction, inspiring the next generation.”
— Maria Kennedy, Head of Legal, Sisk
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