What's next for MLS NEXT? ??
As the sports world kicks off 2025 with fresh energy, innovation, and milestones, we’re here to bring you the latest updates and insights to help you stay ahead. From transformative partnerships and groundbreaking technologies to strategies that redefine player safety and team success, this edition of the GameTime Newsletter has something for everyone.
Here’s what’s in today’s edition:
? MLS NEXT is creating a new competition tier
?? Private equity dives into women’s volleyball with LOVB’s debut
?? Maverick Carter leads efforts to create a global basketball league
?? Presidio Investors takes over Hellas Verona
?? The 2025 highest-paid athletes list is here!
?? Game-changing tech from Blinkfire Analytics and CC Athletics
?? Why GameTime’s Medical Features are a step above traditional methods
?? Latest blogs on preventing youth sports injuries and mastering time management
Let’s dive into the latest and set the tone for a winning year! ??
MLS NEXT Unveils New Competition Tier
Youth soccer in the U.S. and Canada is leveling up! MLS NEXT has announced a new competition tier launching in September 2025. This expansion will allow more clubs and players to participate, raising the stakes and improving talent development across North America. Read more here
Private Equity Eyes Volleyball with LOVB’s Debut
Women’s volleyball is making waves with the launch of League One Volleyball (LOVB), backed by Ares Management and Blackstone’s David Blitzer. Debuting in a packed Atlanta arena, the league aims to retain top talent within the U.S. while reshaping the global volleyball landscape. Read more here
Plans for $5B International Basketball League Take Shape
Lebron James' business partner Maverick Carter is advising a group of investors raising $5B to create an "F1 for basketball." This global league will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, playing in eight cities worldwide. While it’s not designed to compete with the NBA, this venture promises to bring basketball fans a unique international experience. Read more here
Hellas Verona Acquired by Presidio Investors
U.S. private equity firm Presidio Investors has purchased Serie A club Hellas Verona from Maurizio Setti in a deal reportedly worth €120–130M. Setti will stay on as a senior adviser, with former AS Roma CEO Italo Zanzi stepping in as executive chairman. Presidio plans to revitalize the club, currently 17th in Serie A, while strengthening ties with Verona’s passionate fanbase. This acquisition adds Verona to the growing list of Italian clubs under U.S. ownership. Read more here
The World’s Top-Paid Athletes in 2025
From soccer to basketball, the 10 highest-paid athletes globally are redefining wealth in sports. Earning between $85.6M to $285M annually, these superstars rake in millions from endorsements and partnerships in addition to their athletic salaries. Read more here
CC Athletics: Pioneering Strength and Performance Analysis
CC Athletics is redefining how athletes train and recover with their advanced force plates and isometric testing equipment. These tools provide precise measurements of strength, balance, and explosive power, helping athletes and coaches track progress and make data-driven decisions.
Why They’re Great:
How They Help Organizations:
CC Athletics equips teams and organizations with cutting-edge tools to monitor and enhance athletic performance. By focusing on measurable data, coaches, and trainers can create personalized plans that drive better results and improve overall team performance.
Blinkfire Analytics: Mastering Sports Sponsorship Insights
Blinkfire Analytics revolutionizes how sports organizations measure sponsorship value. Using AI-driven technology, it tracks and evaluates brand exposure across digital and social media, helping teams and leagues maximize their sponsorship opportunities.
Why They’re Great:
How They Help Organizations:
With Blinkfire, sports teams and leagues can unlock new revenue streams by showcasing the precise value of their sponsorships. This fosters stronger partnerships and ensures sponsors see tangible results from their investments.
GameTime Medical Features: Why It’s Better Than Keeping a Notebook
In the fast-paced world of sports, player safety is paramount, and relying on notebooks to track medical data can lead to gaps in communication and lost information. GameTime’s Medical Features provide a comprehensive solution for monitoring and managing player health, making it a game-changer for teams.
Why It’s Better:
How It Helps Organizations:
GameTime’s Medical Features eliminate the inefficiencies of manual record-keeping by creating a centralized, secure hub for all player health data. This ensures faster decision-making, better injury management, and enhanced communication, helping teams prioritize player safety and performance.
Preventing Injuries in Youth Sports
Keeping young athletes safe is a top priority. This blog explores practical steps to minimize injury risks, from proper warm-ups to scheduling rest periods. Discover how to create a supportive environment that prioritizes long-term health and performance for youth athletes.
Mastering Time Management: Tips for Athletes and Coaches
In sports, time management can make or break success. This guide offers actionable strategies to help athletes and coaches balance training, academics, and personal time effectively. Learn how to plan smarter and make the most of every moment.
As we look ahead, the stories we’ve explored today show how innovation and passion continue to redefine sports. From groundbreaking investments shaping new opportunities to tech that pushes the limits of performance, the future is as exciting as ever.
Whether it’s staying organized with tools like GameTime’s medical features or being inspired by the transformative power of sports, there’s always room to grow and excel.
Thanks for being part of this journey with us—here’s to staying ahead of the game together!