Internet and technology group Alphabet is set to exit online sport media platform The Players’ Tribune in an acquisition of undisclosed size by digital media and technology company Minute Media.
Founded by ex-New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter, Players’ Tribune is an online media platform that gives professional athletes the chance to publish their own long-form articles discussing their experiences and viewpoints.
The publication will be absorbed into a portfolio of sport media brands owned by Minute Media that includes 90min, The Big Lead and 12up. It will continue to operate under its own brand but will be able to access Minute’s international presence and audience engagement tools.
Players’ Tribune had secured $58m in funding, most recently pulling in $40m through an early 2017 series C round led by IVP and backed by Alphabet subsidiary GV, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), GenTrust and various private investors at a reported pre-money valuation of about $100m.
The company’s roster of investors also included a number of professional athletes including retired basketball player Kobe Bryant.
Jeter said in a blog post: “Our vision was to give athletes the tools they needed to speak in their own voice and bring fans closer to the game.
“Over the last few years, The Players’ Tribune has become a real force, bringing attention to issues and stories in a way we have never seen before. We are looking forward to continuing to give athletes a voice – around the world.”
