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Blue-skying ruled the day at “The Global Game: The Future Of Soccer, Tech & Media,” a conference featuring stakeholders in the sport as it approaches a milestone in 2026.

Speakers throughout Thursday’s event had to invent new superlatives to describe their expectations for next summer’s World Cup, to be held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy proclaimed that the championship game next July will be “the most watched event in human history – not sporting event. Event.”

Before dismissing the buzz inside Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center as just so many industry vuvuzelas, consider the reasons for the optimism of government officials, broadcasters and tech companies. Next summer’s World Cup will be the first quadrennial edition to feature 48 teams, up from 32. The tournament’s 104 games will be hosted by 16 cities across the three countries, which will boost ratings, certainly here at home on Fox. Eight matches, including the July 19, 2026 championship, will also be played at MetLife Stadium in the media mecca of greater New York, bringing millions of visitors to the area.

New Jersey will see an economic boon in the mid-single-digit billions, adding 14,000-15,000 jobs and drawing 1 million-2 million visitors during the Cup, Murphy said. The state’s hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, which culminates Sunday in the final between Paris-Saint Germain and Chelsea, has served as a warm-up for the main global spectacle. “There’s nowhere on the planet, in my humble opinion, that’s more prepared for next year than we are now,” he said. “We actively sought out a major role in the Club World Cup this year to make sure we could take whatever we’re doing around the track.”

Fox Sports is among those expecting records — not only in terms of viewership, but also its own promotional campaign. The network’s marketing chief, Robert Gottlieb, was asked during one of today’s panels for a budget estimate for what Fox is spending on the blitz. He declined to offer a number but promised that it would be “the largest and most expensive campaign we have ever done at Fox Sports.”

Fox mobilized Jon Hamm to play Santa Claus in promos for the 2022 Cup in Qatar, which had to be played in the late-fall due to the summer heat in Doha. Gottlieb said this year the entire U.S. Men’s National Team would be the focus of marketing efforts. “It’s such a huge moment in the country and for us as the broadcaster, it’s really important for us to be out there and own a piece of it in the psyche of the American public.”

Gottlieb also said Fox and others carrying soccer have had to be “a little cautious about the glut” across pay-TV and streaming. “Everybody wants in on this soccer market now, so you have Club World Cup, you have CONCACAF Gold Cup, you have the women’s Euros happening,” plus MLS and NWSL matches. “It’s a little tough for the non-core fan to discern the difference. … It may be a little confusing for the casual fan, but next summer of course it will crescendo with the World Cup.”

Tom Gorke spent a long stint as an exec at Viacom before taking his current position as Google’s Managing Director, M&E Content Partnerships. Due to his focus on helping Android and Google TV users find the programming they want, he said he is keenly aware of how confounding sports can be for the average viewer. “Sports rights are highly fragmented,” he said during a panel focused on streaming soccer. “Even World Cup rights, Telemundo’s got Spanish-language rights, English-language rights sit elsewhere.”

Social media can provide a more unified experience for soccer fans, a number of panelists observed.

Tim O’Mahony, director and head of international content for X, called the Elon Musk-owned social network “the world’s most powerful cultural signal.” It recently teamed with subscription streamer DAZN to present dozens of livestreamed matches during the Club World Cup and has a similar partnership with FIFA in the works for 2026. “People go to X first” for many things, chief among them major sporting events. “They interact with it. It’s felt, it’s debated, it’s memed.”

Fielding a question for the whole panel about how AI is influencing the live sports experience, O’Mahony didn’t go anywhere near the current controversy surrounding the company’s Grok chatbot. “Our company is now an AI company,” he said, alluding to xAI’s purchase of X last March. “Why it’s so exciting is, they have an incredible use case, like an everyday use case of how to train the AI model to improve it, to get better experiences for advertisers, for users, more brand-safe.” Musk, he added, “is getting heavily involved with it now. So, we are learning with him.”

Fighting piracy is one way AI has been a boost, O’Mahony said. The process of successfully getting an illegal stream taken down from X used to take an average of three-and-a-half hours. Now, with AI, the average is 40 minutes.

Not all of the talk was of this summer and next. The question of what comes afterward arose. Ricky Engelberg, a veteran marketing exec who is now a partner at Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort, has seen the surge of soccer interest firsthand since coming aboard in 2023. The company’s investment in Wrexham A.F.C., a once-struggling Welsh club since promoted to the Championship (the second tier of UK soccer), has provided storybook fodder for FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham.

While the U.S. is in “a peak football moment right now,” Engelberg said, Cup fever will eventually break.

“There’s just going to be a natural moment of feeling that it’s less of the energy than the ’24, ’25, ’26 buildup to it,” he said. The key for everyone banking on soccer, he continued, will be figuring out “how you navigate what ’27 and ’28 look like. … I’m a big fan of compounding. This will be a big deposit in the bank for compounding, but then the next leap will take more time than people probably think.”

Then again, another key date is already on the horizon: the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by the U.S. and Mexico.

07/10/2025 – 04:05 PM

Highlights

• Landmark multi-year agreement strengthens UFC GYM and MMA.INC alliance, supporting the global rollout of 45 new gyms in 2025 and accelerating the expansion of UFC GYM’s high-growth BJJ program—powered by MMA.INC’s category-leading software.
• BJJLink.com is the definitive all-in-one operating system for martial arts-first businesses—optimizing member management, driving revenue growth, and unlocking scalable monetization for franchisees.
• Builds on MMA.INC and UFC GYM’s broader strategic partnership to integrate the Warrior Training Program across a network of 150+ locations worldwide.

New York, NY, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited (NYSE American: MMA) (“MMA” or the “Company”), an NYSE American listed innovator at the intersection of combat sports and digital transformation, has announced an expansion of its strategic technology partnership with UFC Gym Group who are selecting BJJLink.com as the official gym management software platform for all new UFC GYM BJJ franchise studios.

This extension of the existing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreement follows UFC GYM’s landmark global expansion announcement in February and solidifies a deeper alignment between UFC GYM’s fast-growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program and MMA.INC’s category-leading gym software. This announcement capitalizes on the growth in BJJ, reinforced by UFC’s recent launch of their new premier BJJ live event series, UFC BJJ 1.

BJJLink.com, powered by MMA.INC’s Martial Arts Technology, will serve as the digital backbone of UFC GYM’S new BJJ franchise studios. Designed specifically for martial arts-first businesses, the platform equips franchisees with a modern, all-in-one operating system that streamlines member management, drives revenue, and unlocks new monetization opportunities. Key features include:

• Mobile check-in and self-service kiosk systems to reduce front-desk friction and enhance member experience
• Curriculum and belt progression management with digital tracking tools aligned to structured programs
• Smart class and staff scheduling with real-time attendance and performance visibility
• Payment infrastructure, including recurring billing, retail sales and a customizable in-app transaction layer that supports Stripe and a growing list of other global processors
• Referral tracking and affiliate logic to power grassroots growth and incentive campaigns
• Built-in CRM and e-commerce automation, enabling franchisees to engage leads, sell merchandise, and convert visitors, all from one centralized platform

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, UFC GYM franchisees will gain access to BJJLink Admin+, a powerful all-in-one platform designed to simplify operations and drive growth. UFC GYM BJJ Studio Franchisees will benefit from streamlined class scheduling, automated billing, digital curriculum tools, and built-in referral tracking, removing administrative overhead and enabling staff to focus on member experience. Standardized pricing across locations and centralized reporting through a master admin dashboard provide both flexibility and oversight, helping franchisees scale confidently while staying aligned with brand standards.

“The BJJLink platform offers an intuitive and powerful back-end that empowers our coaches and BJJ studio franchisees to focus on what matters most, training and community,” said Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM. “This agreement gives us the technical scalability and operational consistency needed to support our ambitious rollout of new BJJ studios globally.”

The new UFC GYM BJJ studios, purpose-built spaces dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, are part of UFC GYM’s mission to redefine fitness and martial arts for modern athletes. The brand plans to open more than 45 new gyms in 2025, with many of the BJJ-first models ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet and featuring advanced mat spaces, recovery zones, and family-friendly programming.

“This extension validates our shared belief that the future of martial arts training is both physical and digital,” said Nick Langton, CEO of MMA.INC. “We’re proud to be the technology engine behind UFC GYM’s BJJ studio model and to deepen our long-standing relationship with the preeminent name in martial arts training.”

BJJLink is already used by hundreds of martial arts academies around the world and has seen increased demand from franchise operators seeking more streamlined onboarding, revenue analytics, and student engagement tools.

MMA.INC and UFC GYM intend to co-launch the new BJJLink-powered UFC GYM BJJ studio software at select international locations during H2 of 2025.

MMA.INC’s recently announced an international push, expanding BJJLink into Latin America and launching a marquee partnership with Gracie Allegiant HQ and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Clark Gracie.

About Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited

MMA.INC (Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited) is revolutionizing the combat sports industry by driving participation and engagement across fans, athletes, coaches, and gym owners. The company operates four core business units:

With over 5 million social media followers, 530,000 user profiles, 50,000 active students, 18,000 published gyms and 800 verified gyms across 16 countries, MMA.inc continues to transform the martial arts landscape and deliver unparalleled value to its stakeholders.

For more information, visit www.mma.inc or follow us on social media:

ABOUT UFC GYM^®

UFC GYM^® is the first major brand extension of UFC^®, the world’s premier MMA organization, created in alliance with New Evolution Ventures™ (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands. As the first to unite the benefits of MMA with fitness, the brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT^® approach provides members with the ultimate fitness experience and programming that secures results for all ages and training levels. With over 150 locations opened and 700 additional locations currently in development globally, UFC GYM has revolutionized the fitness industry and positively impacted countless lives worldwide. UFC GYM offers the opportunity to own and operate a franchise domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit www.ufcgym.com.

Follow UFC GYM through the below platforms:

• FACEBOOK – Facebook.com/UFCGYM
• YOUTUBE – Youtube.com/UFCGYM
• INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK & X – @UFCGYM

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Any statements contained herein regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein include or may include, but are not limited to, statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or use or contain words, terms, phrases, or expressions such as “achieve,” “forecast,” “plan,” “propose,” “strategy,” “envision,” “hope,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or similar words, terms, phrases, or expressions or the negative of any of these terms. Any statements contained in this press release that are not based upon historical fact are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and/or beliefs of the Company. Such statements are not facts and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Prospective investors should not rely on these statements as if they were facts. Actual revenue may vary to current sales due to factors such as participant churn, cancellations, and changes in payment schedules, membership terms or pricing changes. Any references to verified gyms, partner gyms, user profiles refer to a profile that has been claimed or created across the MMA.inc platform, which includes TrainAlta.com, BJJ Link, Hype, MixedMartialArts.com and Steppen. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC to better understand the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business and industry, and any underlying forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update, withdraw or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts

Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited
E: peter@mma.inc

The Platform Reflects Revelyst’s Commitment To Shaping The Future Of Golf Through Precision, Performance And Connected Technology.

SAN DIEGO — Revelyst Inc., a collective of world-class maker brands that design and manufacture performance gear and precision technologies, today unveiled Revelyst Golf Technology, a dedicated platform built around its category-defining golf brands. This move represents a strategic investment in the next generation of golf innovation, bringing the company’s industry-leading technologies under one integrated identity. 

The Revelyst Golf Technology platform unites trusted leaders Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf and PinSeeker, combining leadership across the most advanced launch monitors, rangefinders, GPS devices, simulation software and on-course tools in the game.

“As the game evolves, so do we,” said Jeff Foster, GM and President of Revelyst Golf Technology. “This platform reflects who we are and where we are headed. We are the industry-leading golf technology platform focused entirely on delivering precision, performance and innovation. From top professionals, fitters and coaches to the next generation of players, we are building tools that power the way golf is played, learned and experienced across every format.”

Revelyst Golf Technology marks a new era of integration with greater emphasis on connected data, software development and product collaboration across the portfolio. Revelyst Golf Technology supports golfers at every level, from the course to the studio to the screen, creating a seamless experience across formats, devices and skill levels.

Revelyst Golf Technology operates from its headquarters location in San Diego and is one of three platforms in Revelyst’s collective of category-defining brands.

“The Revelyst Golf Technology platform is more than a collection of world-class products,” said Revelyst CEO Eric Nyman. “It is the most connected ecosystem in the game, designed to give golfers the confidence of precision and the freedom to play anywhere. This platform puts a flag in the ground. Revelyst is not just participating in the future of golf. We are here to lead it.”

About Revelyst

Revelyst Inc. is a collective of world-class maker brands that design and manufacture performance gear and precision technologies. Our category-defining brands leverage meticulous craftsmanship and cross-collaboration to pursue new innovations that redefine what is humanly possible in the outdoors. Portfolio brands include Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf, Fox, Bell, Giro, CamelBak, Bushnell, Simms Fishing and more. For more information, visit www.revelyst.com.

Media Contact
Eric Smith
Phone: 720-772-0877
Email: media.relations@revelyst.com

Technology is changing the way we live, work, and connect with the world. As we move through 2025, several exciting tech trends are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for innovation. From smarter AI to the rise of virtual worlds, this year promises to be one of the most transformative yet. Let’s explore the top tech trends making headlines in 2025.

1. Generative AI goes mainstream

Artificial Intelligence has been evolving for years, but 2025 marks a major shift. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT and image generators, are now being used in everyday business tasks—writing content, designing products, and even coding software. Companies are embedding AI into customer service, marketing, and app development to work faster and smarter.

Why it matters:
Generative AI is saving time and improving accuracy. Businesses that use AI tools can outpace their competitors in creativity and efficiency.

2. Quantum computing gets closer to reality

Quantum computing isn’t just science fiction anymore. Tech giants like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are making serious progress. In 2025, we’re seeing the first signs of quantum computing being used in real-world situations, like drug development, financial modelling, and climate research.

Why it matters:
Quantum computers can solve problems that normal computers can’t. That means breakthroughs in science and innovation may come faster than ever before.

3. The rise of digital twins

A digital twin is a virtual version of a real-world object, system, or process. In 2025, businesses are using digital twins to simulate buildings, engines, cities—even people. These models help with testing, training, and decision-making without real-world risks.

Why it matters:
Digital twins reduce costs and improve safety. They’re already being used in manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities.

4. Mixed reality: Blending real and virtual worlds

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been around for years, but now they’re coming together in what’s called Mixed Reality (MR). With headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, users can interact with both real and digital objects at once.

Why it matters:
MR is changing how we learn, play, and work. From virtual meetings to immersive training, the boundaries between physical and digital life are disappearing.

5. 6G hype begins

While 5G is still rolling out globally, discussions about 6G are heating up. Early tests show that 6G could be 100 times faster than 5G and enable instant communication between devices.

Why it matters:
6G could unlock new tech possibilities like real-time remote surgeries, AI-powered transportation, and fully connected smart cities.

6. Cybersecurity with AI defence

As technology grows, so do the threats. In 2025, AI is not just being used to attack systems—but to defend them. Smart security tools can detect and stop cyberattacks before they cause damage.

Why it matters:
Cybercrime is on the rise. Businesses and individuals need smarter ways to protect data, and AI-powered tools are leading the charge.

7. Sustainable tech is no longer optional

Green technology is now a core focus for companies. From eco-friendly data centres to low-energy chips, 2025 is all about reducing carbon footprints. Tech leaders are investing in clean energy, smarter recycling, and sustainable hardware design.

Why it matters:
Climate change is a global concern. Companies that adopt sustainable tech are not only helping the planet but also attracting eco-conscious consumers.

8. Smart wearables are getting smarter

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming health hubs. In 2025, wearables are tracking more than just steps—they’re monitoring heart health, sleep quality, stress levels, and even blood sugar without a needle.

Why it matters:
Health tech is putting power into people’s hands. Early warnings can prevent serious health issues and improve lives.

9. Personalised everything

From music and shopping to education and entertainment, personalisation is a growing trend. Thanks to AI, platforms now offer highly customised experiences based on user behaviour, preferences, and habits.

Why it matters:
People want content and services that match their needs. Businesses that deliver tailored experiences see better engagement and customer loyalty.

10. Remote work tech evolves further

Remote work is here to stay, and the tools are evolving fast. In 2025, virtual collaboration platforms will use AI to improve communication, automate tasks, and simulate real office environments.

Why it matters:
Companies are hiring from all over the world. Strong remote tools help teams stay productive, connected, and creative—no matter where they are.

Final thoughts

2025 is a year of bold ideas and real progress. These tech trends show how fast the world is changing—and how important it is to stay informed. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or everyday user, these innovations are shaping your future. Staying ahead of the curve means embracing the tools and technologies that are redefining what’s possible.

The new agency in charge of regulating name, image, likeness deals in college sports sent a letter to schools Thursday saying it had rejected deals between players and donor-backed collectives formed over the past several years to funnel money to athletes or their schools.

Those arrangements hold no “valid business purpose,” the memo said, and don’t adhere to rules that call for outside NIL deals to be between players and companies that provide goods or services to the general public for profit.

The letter to Division I athletic directors could be the next step in shuttering today’s version of the collective, groups that are closely affiliated with schools and that, in the early days of NIL after July 2021, proved the most efficient way for schools to indirectly cut deals with players.

Since then, the landscape has changed yet again with the $2.8 billion House settlement that allows schools to pay the players directly as of July 1.

Already, collectives affiliated with Colorado, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia and others have announced they’re shutting down. Georgia, Ohio State and Illinois are among those that have announced plans with Learfield, a media and technology company with decades of licensing and other experience across college athletics, to help arrange NIL deals.

Outside deals between athlete and sponsor are still permitted, but any worth $600 or more have to be vetted by a clearinghouse called NIL Go that was established by the new College Sports Commission.

In its letter to the ADs, the CSC said more than 1,500 deals have been cleared since NIL Go launched on June 11, “ranging in value from three figures to seven figures.” More than 12,000 athletes and 1,100 institutional users have registered to use the system.

But the bulk of the letter explained that many deals could not be cleared because they did not conform to an NCAA rule that sets a “valid business purpose” standard for deals to be approved.

The letter explained that if a collective reaches a deal with an athlete to appear on behalf of the collective, which charges an admission fee, the standard is not met because the purpose of the event is to raise money to pay athletes, not to provide goods or services available to the general public for profit.

The same would apply to a deal an athlete makes to sell merchandise to raise money to pay that player because the purpose of “selling merchandise is to raise money to pay that student-athlete and potentially other student-athletes at a particular school or schools, which is not a valid business purpose” according to the NCAA rule.

A deal, however, could be approved if, for instance, the businesses paying the players had a broader purpose than simply acting as a collective. The letter uses a golf course or apparel company as examples.

“In other words, NIL collectives may act as marketing agencies that match student-athletes with businesses that have a valid business purpose and seek to use the student’s NIL to promote their businesses,” the letter said.

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports