Happy almost end of week, !

This week we explore Europe's top clubs by merchandise revenue, with Barcelona (€179M) leading ahead of Real Madrid and Bayern, proving fan purchases fuel football’s financial power.

Esports is rapidly growing, with viewership set to exceed 640M by 2025, attracting major investments and sponsorships as it competes with traditional sports for mainstream dominance.

Private equity now backs 20 of 30 NBA teams, betting on soaring franchise values driven by media rights, global expansion, and sports betting.

—Sports150 Team

Broadcast Revenue: The Steady Hand in Football's Financial Playbook

While matchday and commercial revenues have been making headlines, broadcast revenue remains the unsung hero in football's financial narrative. According to Deloitte's Football Money League 2025, the top 20 clubs collectively reported €4.3 billion in broadcast income for the 2023/24 season, maintaining its position as a significant revenue stream. This stability is attributed to enduring domestic and international broadcasting agreements, which have provided a consistent financial foundation for clubs amidst fluctuating matchday and commercial incomes. Notably, the Premier League's lucrative broadcast deals have propelled English clubs to dominate the financial rankings, with nine clubs featuring in the top 20. As clubs continue to innovate in other revenue areas, the steady flow from broadcast rights remains a cornerstone of their economic strategies.

In partnership with Range

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Private Equity’s Full-Court Press on the NBA

Private equity has gone all-in on the NBA. 20 of the league’s 30 teams now have PE ties, with a combined valuation of $86.2B. From the Golden State Warriors to the Brooklyn Nets, investors are betting big on basketball’s financial upside.

Why? NBA franchise values keep soaring, fueled by media rights, global expansion, and sports betting. PE firms see an asset class with high scarcity and strong returns, making minority stakes an attractive play.

But with more institutional capital flowing in, the big question remains: Will private equity reshape ownership dynamics, or just ride the wave of skyrocketing valuations?

Check out the full list of PE-backed teams below.

Shaq’s Slam Dunk in the Business World

Most former athletes invest. Shaquille O’Neal builds empires. With a net worth of $400M, the NBA Hall of Famer has turned franchising into his personal playground—owning (and selling) everything from 155 Five Guys locations to 40 gyms and 150 car washes. His latest obsession? Krispy Kreme, where he’s expanding his footprint.

But Shaq isn’t just a franchisee. He launched his own brand, Big Chicken, which started franchising in 2021 and is growing fast across the U.S. and Canada. While many ex-athletes struggle financially post-retirement, Shaq proves that smart investing, brand partnerships, and ownership are the real championship rings.

For investors, his playbook is clear: franchising + brand equity = long-term wins.

Athletic Departments: The Real Winners?

College sports aren’t just about school pride—they’re big business. College sports rake in serious cash, but where does it all go? Football alone pulls in an average of $31.92M per school, with men's basketball trailing at $8.19M—numbers that dwarf the revenue of other sports. This financial reality fuels an ongoing debate: Should the athletes responsible for these earnings get paid? Some argue that scholarships and exposure are enough; others point to the billion-dollar industry built on their performance. The NCAA has shifted toward allowing NIL (name, image, likeness) deals, but does that go far enough? Meanwhile, universities keep cashing in. One thing’s for sure: this conversation isn’t going away anytime soon.

In partnership with Range

Optimize Your Wealth Like You Optimize Deals.

Your wealth is more than just your portfolio—it’s your entire financial picture. That’s why Range built a modern, all-in-one platform that helps high-earning households manage everything from investments to taxes, real estate, and equity compensation—all for a single flat fee.

Ready for a smarter approach to wealth management? 

Book a complimentary demo today and see how Range helps you unlock the full potential of your money.

The World’s Biggest Stadiums: Where Sports Meets Spectacle

Bigger isn’t always better,but in the world of sports, massive stadiums mean massive business. From India’s Narendra Modi Stadium (132K capacity) to North Korea’s Rungrado 1st of May Stadium (114K), these venues aren’t just about sports—they’re economic powerhouses, hosting everything from international tournaments to political events and concerts.

The U.S. dominates the list, with eight of the top ten stadiums. College football reigns supreme, with Michigan Stadium (107.6K), Beaver Stadium (106.6K), and Ohio Stadium (102.8K) drawing hundreds of thousands of fans every season. Beyond game day, these venues generate billions through naming rights, sponsorships, and hospitality revenue.

With stadium expansions and new ultra-modern venues in the works, the race for the biggest and most profitable sports arenas is far from over.

Kit Kings: Europe's Top 20 Clubs by Merchandise Revenue

Football fandom isn't just about passion—it’s about purchases. Jerseys, scarves, and everything in between fuel club revenues, and Barcelona sits atop the throne with a staggering €179M in merchandise sales. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich trail behind, but not by much, at €155M and €147M, respectively.

Liverpool and Manchester United round out the top five, proving that the Premier League remains a commercial juggernaut. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain's star power—hello, Mbappé effect—propels it to €97M, while Juventus and Arsenal hover in the €70M-€90M range.

Further down, traditional powerhouses like Ajax, Galatasaray, and Celtic show that legacy still sells. Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt barely make the list, pulling in €26M each—great for their accountants, but pocket change compared to Barça.

The takeaway? Fans aren’t just buying into the sport; they’re investing in their identities—one overpriced jersey at a time.

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Esports Viewership: A Billion-Dollar Audience in the Making

Esports isn’t just growing—it’s on track to rival traditional sports. By 2025, total viewership is expected to surpass 640 million, with 318M dedicated esports enthusiasts and 323M occasional viewers. That’s a nearly 50% increase since 2020, showing just how fast competitive gaming is becoming a mainstream spectacle.

Why does this matter? More viewers mean more sponsorships, bigger media rights deals, and a surge in investment opportunities. Major brands, streaming platforms, and private equity firms are doubling down, betting that esports will deliver long-term returns. With its highly engaged, digital-first audience, esports is proving it can compete for advertising dollars once reserved for leagues like the NBA and NFL.

But the big question remains: Will esports fully break into the mainstream, or will it plateau as a dominant niche market? The next few years will determine just how far competitive gaming can go.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take"

Wayne Gretzky