Digital media company Whistle Sports has raised $20 million in funding from a group of investors that includes NBC Sports Ventures.
The series C round, which also includes new investor Tegna and existing investors Sky and Emil Capital, comes as the New York-based media company continues its push to acquire new audiences. Whistle Sports works with 400 YouTube creators and social media influencers focused on sports-related content, a community that reaches 170 million people across social channels.
“Whistle Sports has successfully capture the imaginations, attention and engagement of millennial sports fans, and consistently delivers compelling content and options to brands and agencies eager to connect with that critical and growing demographic, said Rick Cordella, senior vp and general manager of digital media at NBC Sports Group. “Whistle Sports has proven to be a reliable source of original and creative content, and their data-driven approach to developing new audience insights sets them up for an even stronger future.”
Over the last year the company has launched multiple new series across platforms. Whistle Sports’ Dude Perfect, a group of friends who perform live-action stunts, currently has a show on CMT.
This latest round brings Whistle Sports’ funding to over $60 million from a roster of investors that also includes several professional athletes as well as iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman.
Said CEO John West: “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm, confirmation and commitment from these exceptional companies and their strong support for our continued growth.”
