Phoenix Sports Partners

What Phoenix Sports Partners does

Phoenix Sports Partners (PSP) is a privately held Chicago-based investment and operating company founded in 2017 that applies a buy-and-build strategy to sports technology and data. The firm owns or controls eight portfolio brands organized across four market segments: Performance & Training (Atavus tackle analytics, TrinityVR/RibeeVR baseball training, Vizual Edge visual performance), Media & Analytics (Block Six Analytics sponsorship SaaS, Collegiate Sports Management Group), Event & Competition Operations (LeagueSpot esports platform, Fusesport event management), and Fan Engagement (FanFood mobile ordering). Phoenix positions itself as more than a fund, embedding operational support (marketing, HR, accounting), business development, and cross-portfolio distribution into each investment, with CSMG's 18+ conference contracts covering 900+ schools functioning as the primary market access channel for sister brands.

Phoenix's revenue mechanics vary by portfolio company but combine capital appreciation on majority stakes with recurring SaaS subscriptions (Block Six Analytics, Fusesport, LeagueSpot), per-transaction and licensing fees (FanFood), media rights and sponsorship sales (CSMG), and enterprise licensing for performance products (Atavus, Vizual Edge, TrinityVR). Go-to-market blends direct enterprise sales with channel leverage: Atavus is embedded inside Catapult's XOS Thunder video platform, FanFood is paired with From Now On and Mars Wrigley for venues, and CSMG routes multiple Phoenix products into the same collegiate athletic departments. End customers span professional teams (NHL, MLB, NFL alumni testimonials), collegiate programs (Texas Tech, Baylor, Oklahoma, SUNY's 64-campus system), community organizations (YMCA's 2,300-center pilot), and major venues (Durham Bulls, Dubai Mall, St. Augustine Amphitheatre).

Underlying technology ranges from patented tackle analytics with 50,000+ graded data points (Atavus) to VR baseball simulation with physics-based pitching (RibeeVR), machine-learning-driven sponsorship valuation and NLP-based social sentiment analysis (Block Six), and mobile ordering platforms with in-seat delivery (FanFood). Phoenix's leadership is led by Managing Partner Bob Barnett (also founder of Wexford Capital Partners), Partner & Group CEO Brian Kopp (formerly SVP at STATS LLC and SportVU inventor), and Partner Kevin Murray; Group CFO Diana Kubik and Fractional CFO Steve Hollis oversee finance across the portfolio. The company's stated thesis targets the $100 billion amateur sports market via a top-down sales approach that leverages professional-level relationships to penetrate youth, high school, and collegiate segments.

Name

Phoenix Sports Partners

Legal name

Phoenix Sports Partners

Website

https://phnxsports.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Phoenix Sports Partners is a Chicago-based investment and operating company that acquires and scales sports technology businesses across performance, fan engagement, media rights, and event operations using a buy-and-build strategy. Its eight portfolio brands share distribution through Collegiate Sports Management Group's 900-school network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Technology Platforms

NAICS

Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113), Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures (711410)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Business Consulting & Advisory (Strategy, Valuation, Due Diligence) (MPAKAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sponsorship Sales, Valuation & Analytics Services (Rights Sales, Measurement, Consulting) (MPAKALAK), Sports Rights Agencies & Brokers (Acquisition/Packaging) (MPABAJAH), Sports Media Relations & Rights Support Services (Press Ops, Rights Packaging Support) (MPAKAKAN)

Keywords

• Sports technology investing
• Sports data analytics
• Athlete performance platforms
• Collegiate media rights
• Venue mobile ordering

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Investment Returns and Portfolio Company Growth: Phoenix generates returns through ownership stakes in portfolio companies offering technology-driven sports solutions. Revenue comes from capital appreciation and operational improvements across portfolio.
2. Sponsorship Analytics SaaS: Block Six Analytics generates revenue through SaaS subscription fees for their Partnership Scoreboard sponsorship valuation platform.
3. Media Rights and Sponsorship Management: CSMG earns revenue through media rights management, sponsorship sales, and conference contracts with schools and athletic departments.
4. Mobile Ordering Platform Fees: FanFood generates revenue through per-transaction fees and platform licensing from venues using mobile ordering services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Phoenix Sports Partners is a private investment and operating company that applies a buy-and-build strategy to own, control, or invest in disruptive sports technology and data companies. Through a portfolio of eight operating brands, it delivers software-based products spanning athlete performance and training (Atavus tackle analytics, TrinityVR VR baseball training, Vizual Edge visual training), media and analytics (Block Six Analytics sponsorship valuation, CSMG collegiate media rights), event and competition operations (LeagueSpot esports, Fusesport event management), and fan engagement (FanFood mobile ordering). The firm provides portfolio companies with capital, operational support, business development, and exclusive distribution through CSMG's 900+ school network.

Product overview

Phoenix Sports Partners operates as an investment and operating company utilizing a buy-and-build strategy to own, control, and invest in sports technology companies. The portfolio consists of eight distinct product brands across four market segments: Performance & Training (Atavus tackle analytics, TrinityVR RibeeVR baseball training, Vizual Edge visual training), Media & Analytics (Block Six Analytics sponsorship valuation, Collegiate Sports Management Group media rights), Event & Competition Operations (LeagueSpot esports platform, Fusesport event management), and Fan Engagement (FanFood mobile ordering). These products are designed to work together within the Phoenix ecosystem, with CSMG providing market access for other portfolio companies and cross-selling opportunities enabled across brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Atavus: Data-driven football tackle analytics platform offering tackling certification and the Tacklytics system for evaluating and improving tackling performance and safety.
• TrinityVR
• Vizual Edge
• Block Six Analytics
• Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG)
• LeagueSpot
• Fusesport
• FanFood
• Legacy Esports

Products and services

• Atavus (Tacklytics) Data-driven football tackle analytics platform using the patented Atavus Tackling System. Evaluates over 80 data points per tackle with a database of 50,000+ graded tackles and produces customized reports and tackle plans for football programs, coaches, and athletic departments seeking player safety and performance improvement.
• TrinityVR (RibeeVR) Virtual reality baseball training platform enabling hitters at all levels to take virtual reps against skill- and age-matched live pitching. Provides real-physics simulation, performance analysis, and custom coaching modules for baseball players, coaches, and academies.
• Vizual Edge (Edge Trainer) Web-based visual performance assessment and training platform using computer-based training modules to sharpen neural pathways. Trains six core visual skills to provide athletes across baseball, hockey, football, and softball with a competitive edge.
• Block Six Analytics (Partnership Scoreboard) Proprietary SaaS platform for sports organizations to analyze sponsorship asset value. Includes Corporate Asset Valuation, Media Analytics Platform, Social Sentiment Analysis, and Revenue Above Replacement analytics using machine learning and NLP. Sold to teams, leagues, brands, and agencies.
• Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) College sports properties group providing media rights, data rights, advertising, esports rights management, and revenue generation strategies for collegiate athletic programs and conferences. Holds 18+ conference contracts with exclusive access to 900+ schools.
• LeagueSpot Esports competition platform providing user-friendly yet powerful tools for schools, clubs, and organizations to offer esports leagues and competitions. Includes tournament management and event coordination for scholastic, collegiate, and community esports programs.
• Fusesport All-inclusive cloud-based sporting event management platform integrating registration, volunteer coordination, e-marketing, web design, and analytics. Serves race series, sports associations, and multi-sport events including Special Olympics, US Figure Skating, and The Color Run.
• FanFood Mobile ordering and management platform for concessions with contactless pickup and in-seat delivery capabilities at sports, entertainment, and hospitality venues. Includes FanFood App, Manager Portal, Delivery App, and Premium Suite Meal Booking Platform; deployed at 300+ venues globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• FanFood venues see average order value grow by 32% and operating cost drop by 15% with 75% reduction in customer wait time
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• YMCAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2021LeagueSpot partnered with YMCA to build a national esports pilot program across 2,300 YMCA centers in the US. The program kicked off April 5 with leagues designed for middle and high school players, with long-term plans for younger children and college-age participants.
• From Now OnflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 January 2021FanFood partnered with From Now On to deliver a mobile one-stop-shop experience for colleges, high schools, minor league and professional sports venues. Combined platforms enable teams and venues to own the entire digital fan journey.
• 44 Vision HockeyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 November 2020Vizual Edge partnered with 44 Vision Hockey to enhance development of hockey players on visual and cognitive aspects. 44 Vision provides state-of-the-art technology for players at all levels.
• OpendorsecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2020CSMG and Opendorse partnered to enable NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for college athletes at hundreds of schools. Approximately 100,000 athletes gain NIL access through the platform.
• SUNY (State University of New York)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2020LeagueSpot partnered with SUNY and Extreme Networks to facilitate the 2020-2021 Esports League across 64 college campuses in New York. Competition includes Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, Paladins, and SMITE.
• Prep Baseball ReportminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 March 2020Vizual Edge became Official Vision Evaluation and Training Technology of Prep Baseball Report. Vizual Edge training demonstrated at PBR Super 60 showcase with Edge Scores added to PBR Player Profiles.
• Catapult/XOScoreTechnology or Integration · 20 January 2020Catapult partnered with Atavus to integrate Atavus Tacklytics into XOS Thunder platform, combining video solutions with advanced tackling analytics to improve defensive performance and player safety.
• ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 January 2020CSMG became exclusive licensee for ECAC Esports, operating monetization of assets and commercial activities. LeagueSpot serves as comprehensive platform for ECAC Esports competition across 60+ universities and 300 teams.
• Mars WrigleyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2019FanFood partnership with Mars Wrigley yielded increased concession and confectionery sales. Pilot test conducted at Durham Bulls Ballpark showed positive results.
• NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2019LeagueSpot and CSMG partnered with NJCAA to create NJCAA Esports - the only national esports association and first-ever national championship for two-year colleges.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Arctos Sports Partners: Sports-focused private equity firm that takes minority and control stakes in sports franchises, leagues, and sports-related businesses. Highly comparable to Phoenix as a specialized sports investment and operating platform, though typically larger-scale and franchise-oriented.
• RedBird Capital Partners: Private investment firm with deep sports portfolio including AC Milan, Fenway Sports Group, and various sports-tech and media assets. Comparable as a sports-focused investment platform pursuing both franchise and sports-tech exposure.
• Bruin Capital Partners: Sports-focused private equity firm investing in sports media, technology, and consumer businesses. Comparable to Phoenix in targeting sports-tech operating companies with operational value-add thesis.
• Elysian Park Ventures: Venture and growth investment arm affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership, focused on sports technology and emerging sports categories. Directly comparable as a sports-tech-focused investment platform.
• SeventySix Capital: Sports technology venture capital firm investing across esports, sports media, and fan engagement. Comparable as a sports-tech-focused investor with portfolio of operating companies.

Broad incumbents

• Learfield IMG College: Largest collegiate multimedia rights holder and athletic department partner in the US, directly comparable to Phoenix's CSMG subsidiary as it operates in the same media rights and sponsorship space but at meaningfully larger scale.
• Catapult Sports: Publicly traded sports performance analytics and wearables company competing directly with Phoenix's Atavus subsidiary. Comparable as a sports-tech incumbent with broader product portfolio and deeper enterprise reach.
• Hudl: Leading video and analytics platform for amateur and collegiate sports, integrated with Atavus via Catapult/XOS partnership. Comparable as a sports-tech incumbent targeting the same high school and collegiate performance market.

Emerging players

• Teamworks: Operations platform for collegiate and professional sports organizations spanning communication, scheduling, and NIL. Comparable to Phoenix's CSMG and LeagueSpot as it aggregates adjacent tools for the same collegiate customer base.
• PlayVS: Operator of official high school and collegiate esports leagues and infrastructure. Directly comparable to Phoenix's LeagueSpot platform in the high school and collegiate esports market segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/35710925

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Phoenix Sports Partners