A significant shift occurred in the college sports media landscape on Wednesday, as On3’s ownership group, led by CEO Shannon Terry, announced the acquisition of Rivals from Yahoo Sports.
With this move, Terry reunites with the platform he co-founded and sold to Yahoo in 2007, marking what he calls a “full-circle moment” in his career.
As part of the deal, Yahoo Sports will take an ownership stake in On3’s parent company and secure a seat on its board, aiming to leverage its vast distribution network to bolster the combined entity’s growth.
The merger is set to create a comprehensive network serving millions of fans and student-athletes nationwide, offering extensive coverage of college and high school sports, recruiting, and the evolving NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape.
Subscribers to both On3 and Rivals will gain access to premium content across both platforms, enhancing the overall fan experience.
“Rivals is an icon in college sports and recruiting media,” Terry said in a statement. “We’re excited to build on the momentum behind Rivals, which has a longstanding legacy as the most recognized brand and author of the recruiting industry. We look forward to taking Rivals to new heights with significant new investment focused on recruiting, high school sports, and passionate college fan communities.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the Yahoo Sports team again. From the start, it was clear both parties saw tremendous value in a partnership. Yahoo Sports has world-class distribution, a strong editorial platform, and an expansive content network that will play an integral role in the continued growth of On3 and Rivals.”
“Together with On3, we are creating a powerful, future-forward platform that elevates athletes, energizes fans, and drives innovation across the sports industry,” Yahoo Sports President Ryan Spoon said.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2025, signaling a new era in sports media coverage that combines On3’s innovative approach with Rivals’ established presence in the recruiting space.
