Minute Media Acquires VideoVerse to Expand AI-Driven Sports Video Capabilities

Minute Media has acquired VideoVerse in the largest deal in its history. The company, which owns sports and culture brands including The Players’ Tribune, Sports Illustrated, FanSided and Mental Floss, will integrate VideoVerse’s AI-powered video tools into its operations as it increases its focus on sports technology.

At the centre of this acquisition is Magnifi, VideoVerse’s flagship AI-driven software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform. Magnifi is designed to identify standout sports moments in real time and transform them into bite-sized, shareable video highlights. It utilises advanced computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning to detect key events, generate metadata and thumbnails, automate subtitle creation in multiple languages and streamline editorial workflows. The platform has already attracted major clients, including FIFA, UEFA, Wimbledon, the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Portuguese Football Federation and various other broadcasters and leagues worldwide.

This acquisition benefits both parties. For Minute Media, it enhances their capability to operate not just as a publisher or video distributor, but as a comprehensive content creation and monetisation engine. VideoVerse’s workforce of 300 employees will join Minute Media, bolstering its global AI and development talent, especially in India. These teams bring valuable expertise and scalability, allowing Minute Media to accelerate innovation in video production.

The move also indicates strong financial support and investor confidence. Reports estimate the acquisition value could exceed $200 million, funded through a combination of cash, stock and new financing that values Minute Media at approximately $1.4 billion. Early investors in VideoVerse, including Audacity Venture Capital, Alpha Wave Global, Bluestone Equity Partners and others, have realised returns, with some achieving significant profits.

With Magnifi integrated into its STN Video distribution infrastructure, Minute Media plans to provide personalised, contextually relevant highlights embedded within article feeds and publisher pages. The company’s vision is to create a seamless pipeline from content creation to distribution for leagues, rights holders, brands and publishers. This acquisition aligns with evolving audience behaviour, as fans increasingly seek real-time, mobile-optimised, short-form content and content creators require streamlined and scalable production tools.