Updated
Updated · Sports Business Journal · Jul 6
Versant Media Group Buys Full Swing for $530 Million to Expand Golf Technology Platform
Updated
Updated · Sports Business Journal · Jul 6

Versant Media Group Buys Full Swing for $530 Million to Expand Golf Technology Platform

3 articles · Updated · Sports Business Journal · Jul 6

Summary

  • $530 million all-cash will give Versant Media Group full ownership of golf simulator maker Full Swing, with the deal expected to close before year-end.
  • Versant plans to fold Full Swing into a golf portfolio that already includes Golf Channel, GolfNow and GolfPass, using the acquisition to link content, commerce, training, venues and performance data.
  • Full Swing brings established sports ties as the PGA Tour's officially licensed simulator and a renewed technology provider to TMRW Sports' TGL; CEO Ryan Dotters will report to Versant digital platforms chief Will McIntosh.
  • Bruin Capital is exiting at a sharp gain after buying Full Swing in 2021 at a reported $160 million valuation, extending a run of sports-industry sales as the firm recently raised $1 billion.

Insights

Will Versant's $530M deal create a new sports tech ecosystem or just a costly collection of media and hardware assets?
As home simulators merge with media giants, will personal athletic data become the next major entertainment commodity for consumers?
With new legislation targeting 'vulture investors,' is the private equity boom fueling the multi-billion dollar SportsTech industry now at risk?