Genius Sports Defends $1.2 Billion Legend Acquisition as "Participation Layer" Strategy
Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke defended the company's $1.2 billion acquisition of Legend, a global digital sports and iGaming media network, addressing market skepticism regarding its valuation. Locke framed the acquisition not as a traditional "affiliate" business but as an infrastructure expansion into the "participation layer" of modern sport, connecting Genius's official data rights with a massive audience. The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to adjusted EBITDA margins and free cash flow, with projected combined revenue of $1.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $320 million to $330 million on a 2026 pro forma basis.
Genius Sports Ltd. (GENI) PT Lowered to $7 at Stifel Amid Limited Catalysts
Stifel analyst Jeffrey Stantial has lowered the price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (GENI) to $7 due to limited catalysts. The article, which is premium-only, indicates this decision was made on February 19, 2026.
Stifel cuts Genius Sports stock price target on Legend deal concerns
Stifel cut its price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE:GENI) to $7.00 from $10.00 due to concerns surrounding its acquisition of Legend for over $900 million, despite Genius Sports defending the deal. The firm noted limited catalysts until late 2026 and potential AI impact on Legend's user engagement, although it also acknowledged positive feedback from checks. Other analysts like Guggenheim and Citizens also lowered price targets, while Truist Securities maintained a Buy rating, highlighting potential upsides.
Genius Sports Legend Deal Tests Data To Media Growth Story
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) recently acquired Legend, a move that has sparked debate regarding the target's quality and the deal's terms, particularly its impact on Genius Sports' leverage. Management asserts the acquisition fits its data-driven sports vision and anticipates revenue synergies, though investors are now scrutinizing the acquisition's effect on the company's balance sheet, revenue mix, and execution risk. The deal signifies Genius Sports' strategic shift towards owning audiences and advertising technology, potentially offering higher margins and media exposure, but also carrying integration and balance sheet risks.
Wells Fargo Cites Legend Acquisition Uncertainty as Potential Headwind for Genius Sports (GENI) Valuation
Wells Fargo and other analysts have lowered price targets for Genius Sports (GENI) due to uncertainty surrounding its acquisition of Legend. Analysts cite concerns about the strategic fit, the financial implications of the deal, and the volatility of the affiliate marketing sector, which is expected to pressure the stock's valuation until more details are released.
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) Hits Low in NYSE Composite Indices
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) has experienced a new low in the NYSE Composite Indices, reflecting broader market volatility and company-specific financial disclosures. The company provides real-time sports data, live video streaming, and integrity monitoring services, with a significant portion of its shares held by institutional investors. This event highlights the impact of market dynamics and institutional participation on the company's stock performance.
Genius Sports' Acquisition of Legend Boosts Stock by Over 10%
Genius Sports' CEO Mark Locke has defended the company's acquisition of Legend, highlighting its strategic importance due to two decades of technological investment and strong user engagement with 118 million unique users in 2025. Despite initial stock plunges after the announcement of the $1.2 billion deal, the acquisition is expected to enhance Genius Sports' competitive edge, generate strong cash flow, and leverage advanced data modeling capabilities, leading to over 10% stock boost and robust Wall Street support. While some analysts downgraded their price targets due to concerns about the acquisition's cost and strategic fit, 15 out of 16 analysts still maintain bullish ratings, reflecting confidence in the company's future growth and profitability.
Wells Fargo Cites Legend Acquisition Uncertainty as Potential Headwind for Genius Sports (GENI) Valuation
Wells Fargo and other analysts have lowered their price targets for Genius Sports (GENI) due to uncertainty surrounding its recent acquisition of Legend. The deal, described as a surprise, has raised concerns about the strategic fit, the quality of Legend's business, the transaction's expense, and its potential negative impact on GENI's valuation and leverage. Analysts are awaiting more details on the purchase price and the long-term viability of Legend's business before confidence in GENI's valuation can be restored.
Genius Sports Stock Jumps As Acquisition Sparks Optimism
Genius Sports Limited (GENI) stock is trading up by 9.41% following its planned acquisition of Legend, positioning the company as a significant player in the digital sports and gaming media landscape. The acquisition, valued at $1.2B, is expected to drive substantial revenue growth and improved EBITDA margins. Institutional confidence is boosted by Cathie Wood’s ARK Investment acquiring 523,000 shares, despite previous market corrections.
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) Reaches New 12-Month Low - Time to Sell?
Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) stock recently hit a new 52-week low of $5.70, currently trading near $5.99, significantly below its moving averages, despite a "Moderate Buy" consensus from analysts with an average target of $13.62. The company, with an 81.91% institutional ownership, has a market cap of $1.36 billion and a negative P/E ratio, indicating above-market volatility with a beta of 1.85. Several analysts have adjusted their price targets, ranging from $6.00 to $16.00, reflecting varied perspectives on its future performance.
Genius Sports Issues Letter From CEO
Mark Locke, CEO and Co-Founder of Genius Sports, issued a letter to shareholders detailing the strategic rationale behind the acquisition of Legend. He clarifies that Legend is a technology company built around loyal audiences and behavioral intelligence, not just a simple affiliate business, addressing divided market reactions. Locke emphasizes how this acquisition strengthens Genius Sports' position as the "operating system of modern sport" by integrating audience participation and intent with official data, creating new commercial opportunities beyond betting.
Assessing Genius Sports (GENI) Valuation After Recent Share Price Weakness
Genius Sports (GENI) has experienced significant share price weakness recently, with negative returns over the past month, three months, year-to-date, and past year. Despite this, Simply Wall St's fair value model suggests the stock is 62.8% undervalued, estimating a fair value of $15.58 compared to its current price of $5.79, driven by expectations of rising margins and product differentiation. However, market ratios indicate a higher P/S ratio for Genius Sports than its industry and peers, suggesting potential valuation risk if growth expectations are not met.
Genius Sports Limited $GENI is Hodges Capital Management Inc.'s 10th Largest Position
Hodges Capital Management Inc. significantly increased its stake in Genius Sports Limited ($GENI) by 91.0%, making it the firm's 10th largest holding. Other institutional investors like JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. also raised their positions, contributing to 81.91% institutional ownership. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for GENI with an average price target of $14.10, contrasting with its recent share price of $5.80.
Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) Receives Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from Brokerages
Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) has received a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from twenty-one brokerages, with an average 1-year price target of $14.0952. While one analyst recommends a sell, three recommend a hold, fourteen suggest a buy, and three advise a strong buy. Recent analyst coverage included price target adjustments and rating changes from firms like Oppenheimer, Zacks Research, Weiss Ratings, The Goldman Sachs Group, and UBS Group.
Genius Sports Limited (GENI) Announces a Partnership with WPP Media
Genius Sports Limited (GENI) announced a partnership with WPP Media to leverage its Fan Graph and FANHub for brand investment in sports, leading to the creation of the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score. This announcement followed Wells Fargo lowering its price target on GENI due to uncertainty surrounding its $1.2 billion acquisition of Legend, a global digital sports and gaming media network. Genius Sports also reported preliminary unaudited 2025 fiscal year results, showing significant revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth, and provided an optimistic outlook for 2026.
(GENI) Risk Channels and Responsive Allocation
This article from Stock Traders Daily provides an AI-driven analysis of Genius Sports Limited (NASDAQ: GENI), highlighting weak near and mid-term sentiment and a neutral long-term outlook. It details various institutional trading strategies including position, momentum breakout, and risk hedging, along with multi-timeframe signal analysis for support and resistance levels. The report emphasizes the elevated downside risk and the lack of additional long-term support signals for GENI.
Carey Olsen advises Genius Sports on acquisition of Legend
Carey Olsen advised Genius Sports Limited on its acquisition of Legend, a global sports and gaming media network, in a transaction valued at up to $1.2 billion. The firm provided specialist local law advice for the Guernsey and Jersey aspects of the deal. Genius Sports is an official data, technology, and broadcasting partner for the global sports, betting, and media ecosystem.
According to the latest disclosures, several board members of sports data technology company Genius Sports Ltd have recently demonstrated strong confidence in the company's prospects.
Board members of Genius Sports Ltd, including the CEO and Chairman, collectively purchased approximately 1.4 million shares, signaling strong confidence in the company's future. This significant insider buying is viewed as a positive indicator for the sports data sector company, especially amidst market volatility for tech stocks. Analysts suggest this move could foreshadow business expansion or improved performance, influencing investor valuation.
Genius Sports Executives and Directors Buy 1.4 Million Shares in February 2026
Executives and directors at Genius Sports Limited purchased approximately 1.4 million ordinary shares during the week ending February 13, 2026, signaling strong internal confidence in the company's valuation and future prospects. This significant insider buying, involving key figures like co-founder Mark Locke and chairman Kenneth Kay, serves as a positive indicator for investors. Despite a "Neutral" rating from TipRanks' AI Analyst due to valuation challenges, the company's revenue growth, improved cash flow, positive earnings call, and strategic partnerships suggest a strong positive outlook.
According to the latest disclosures, several board members of sports data technology company Genius Sports Ltd have recently demonstrated strong confidence in the company's prospects.
Genius Sports Ltd's board members, including the CEO and Chairman, recently purchased approximately 1.4 million shares, demonstrating strong confidence in the company. This significant insider buying, often seen as a bullish indicator, has attracted market attention, especially within the volatile tech stock sector. The move suggests potential business expansion or improved performance for the sports data technology leader.
Citizens JMP Maintains Genius Sports (GENI) With a Buy
Citizens JMP has reiterated a Market Outperform rating on Genius Sports (GENI), adjusting its price target to $11, following the company's announcement to acquire Legend for approximately $1.2 billion. Wells Fargo also maintained a Buy rating, lowering its target to $10. Analysts view the acquisition as a bold move for growth, expected to be immediately accretive to EBITDA margins and free cash flow while sustaining at least 20% annual revenue growth through 2028, despite concerns about leverage targets.
Citizens JMP Maintains Genius Sports (GENI) With a Buy
Citizens JMP and Wells Fargo have reiterated Buy ratings on Genius Sports Limited (GENI) but lowered price targets following the company's announcement to acquire Legend for roughly $1.2 billion. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to EBITDA margins and free cash flow, while sustaining at least 20% annual revenue growth through 2028. Analysts from Citizens JMP view this as a bold growth step, acknowledging potential short-term debt concerns but anticipating net leverage to drop below 1x by 2028.
Genius Sports stock hits 52-week low at $5.99
Genius Sports (GENI) stock has fallen to a new 52-week low of $5.99, marking a significant decline of 33.94% over the past year. Despite the current undervaluation and oversold RSI, analysts remain optimistic, with consensus price targets ranging from $10 to $21 and expectations of profitability this year. The company recently acquired Legend for up to $1.2 billion and launched its BetVision platform for tennis, along with a partnership with WPP Media to enhance sports marketing.
Citizens JMP Maintains Genius Sports (GENI) With a Buy
Citizens JMP has maintained a Market Outperform rating on Genius Sports (GENI) but lowered its price target from $17 to $11, following the company's announcement to acquire Legend for approximately $1.2 billion. Wells Fargo also reiterated a Buy rating, adjusting its price target from $16 to $10. The acquisition of Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, is expected to be immediately accretive to EBITDA margins and free cash flow for Genius Sports, while sustaining at least 20% annual revenue growth through 2028.
Reflecting on Genius Sports and the new super affiliate
Richard Gale, Founder of the Anorak Group, reflects on Genius Sports' recent acquisition of Legend for up to $1.2 billion, viewing it as a transformative moment for the affiliate industry. This deal signals a shift from traditional SEO-driven affiliate models to a "super affiliate" model focused on owning the full player lifecycle through integrated infrastructure and data rights. Gale argues that the acquisition isn't just about media assets but about embedding betting functionality directly into sports content, creating a significant competitive advantage over traditional affiliates.
Genius Sports partners with WPP Media to pioneer holistic sports media advertising intelligence, launch WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score
Genius Sports has partnered with WPP Media to introduce a new era of sports media advertising intelligence. This collaboration includes the launch of the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score, designed to provide a holistic view of advertising impact in the sports sector. The initiative aims to help advertisers better reach and activate sports audiences.
Genius Sports partners with WPP Media on data tool for brands (GENI:NYSE)
Genius Sports has partnered with WPP Media to launch the "WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score," a data-driven tool designed to optimize sports advertising investments for major brands. This collaboration aims to provide enhanced insights for more effective sports marketing strategies.
Genius Sports Partners with WPP Media to Pioneer Holistic Sports Media Advertising Intelligence, Launch WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score
Genius Sports and WPP Media have partnered to launch the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score, an intelligence tool designed to enhance sports media advertising. This collaboration leverages Genius Sports’ Fan Graph and FANHub to provide WPP Media clients with precise audience targeting and measurable ROI for their sports investments. The goal is to move beyond traditional ratings, offering a more refined, audience-centric approach to sports marketing.
New WPP-Genius Sports tool tracks 250M U.S. fans for ads
Genius Sports and WPP Media have partnered to launch the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score, a new tool designed to enhance sports media advertising. This initiative leverages Genius Sports’ Fan Graph and FANHub to track over 250 million U.S. consumers, providing WPP Media clients with precise data for targeting sports audiences and optimizing ad investments. The goal is to move beyond traditional ratings to achieve better engagement and ROI in a fragmented sports media market.
Genius Sports partners with WPP Media on new sports ROI tool
Genius Sports Limited formed a strategic partnership with WPP Media to launch a new intelligence tool called the WPP Brand Sports Momentum Score. This tool aims to help brands optimize sports marketing investments by identifying optimal sports, audiences, and moments for engagement, powered by Genius Sports’ Fan Graph. The collaboration gives WPP Media clients enhanced planning, activation, and continuous measurement capabilities, and comes as Genius Sports expands its offerings through acquisitions and new platforms like BetVision.
Citizens lowers Genius Sports stock price target to $11 on Legend deal
Citizens lowered its price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE:GENI) to $11 from $17, while reiterating a Market Outperform rating. This adjustment follows Genius Sports' decision to take on leverage for its acquisition of Legend, a move that analysts are evaluating for its potential impact on earnings quality. Other analysts have also adjusted price targets while maintaining generally positive ratings, as the company explores new ventures like prediction markets and launches platforms such as BetVision.
Genius Sports Ltd. (GENI) PT Lowered to $11 at Citizens Amid Increasing Leverage
Citizens analyst Jordan Bender has lowered the price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (GENI) to $11, down from $17.00. The analyst cited increasing leverage as the reason for the downgrade while maintaining the stock. The article is a premium-only piece, requiring a subscription to read further details.
Genius Sports Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Legend, Creating a Digital Sports and Gaming Media Powerhouse
Genius Sports has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Legend, a global digital sports and gaming media network, for up to $1.2 billion. This acquisition aims to create a powerhouse in digital sports and gaming media by combining Genius Sports' official sports data with Legend's scaled media platform and marketing technology. The deal is expected to accelerate Genius Sports' strategic and financial objectives, leading to higher margins, stronger free cash flow, and a projected $1.1 billion in group revenue with $320-330 million in Adjusted EBITDA by 2026 on a pro forma basis.
Guggenheim lowers Genius Sports stock price target on Legend acquisition
Guggenheim has reduced its price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE: GENI) to $12.00 from $17.00, while maintaining a Buy rating, following the company's announcement of its acquisition of Legend. Genius Sports plans to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, for up to $1.2 billion, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2026. Despite the revised price target, Guggenheim believes the combined assets will create a differentiated ecosystem with significant revenue synergies, though investor confidence in the new media/sports betting model, safe from LLM disruption, remains a challenge.
Citigroup Has Lowered Expectations for Genius Sports (NYSE:GENI) Stock Price
Citigroup has reduced its price target for Genius Sports (NYSE: GENI) from $16.00 to $13.00, while reiterating a "buy" rating, indicating a potential upside of 110% from its current price. This adjustment comes amidst mixed reactions to Genius Sports' proposed $1.2 billion acquisition of Legend, with concerns regarding financing and potential dilution. Despite the reduced price target, the consensus among analysts remains a "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $14.41.
GENI Stock: Citigroup Lowers Price Target Despite Maintaining Buy Rating | GENI Stock News
Citigroup has maintained a 'Buy' rating for Genius Sports (GENI) but lowered its price target from $16.00 to $13.00, representing an 18.75% decrease. This adjustment follows other recent analyst ratings, including a 'Hold' by Stifel and an 'Overweight' by Wells Fargo. Genius Sports is a B2B provider of technology-led products and services for the sports, sports betting, and sports media industries, with analysts forecasting an average target price of $14.45 and an "Outperform" consensus recommendation.
The Price Is Right For Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) Even After Diving 41%
Genius Sports Limited (NYSE:GENI) has experienced a significant 41% drop in its share price over the last month, contributing to a 33% decline over the past year. Despite its high price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.4x compared to the industry average of 1.6x, analysts expect robust revenue growth of 23% per annum for the next three years, outstripping the broader Hospitality industry's forecast of 14%. This strong projected growth provides a rational basis for the elevated P/S ratio, suggesting that the current valuation might be justified by future performance.
Guggenheim lowers Genius Sports stock price target on Legend acquisition
Guggenheim has reduced its price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE: GENI) to $12.00 from $17.00, while maintaining a Buy rating, following Genius Sports' announcement to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, for up to $1.2 billion. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2026 and includes significant cash and stock considerations. Despite the compelling initial financial outlook, Guggenheim highlights the challenge of convincing investors that this new model is resilient to LLM disruption.
Genius Sports to Acquire Legend in $1.2 Billion
Genius Sports Limited has announced its agreement to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, for up to USD1.2 billion. This acquisition aims to create a fully integrated sports data and media ecosystem by combining Genius Sports' official data rights with Legend's extensive audience reach. The deal is expected to accelerate fan monetization, drive higher margins and stronger free cash flow, and significantly boost Genius Sports' financial outlook for the coming years.
Genius Sports Ltd. (GENI) PT Lowered to $12 at Guggenheim
Guggenheim analyst Curry Baker has lowered the price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE: GENI) from $17.00 to $12.00. The firm maintained its rating on the stock. Details of the analyst's rationale are available to premium subscribers.
Genius Sports agrees landmark acquisition of Legend for $1.2 billion
Genius Sports is set to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, for up to $1.2 billion, aiming to establish a powerful digital sports and gaming media entity. The deal includes $900 million at closing and up to $300 million in earnouts, with Genius Sports expecting the acquisition to significantly boost its adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and revenue growth. This strategic move will create a unique structural position for Genius Sports by combining official sports data with a robust media and advertising network.
Inside Genius Sports’ $1.2B bet on a global sports and betting media network
Genius Sports announced its definitive agreement to acquire Legend, a digital sports and gaming media network, in a deal valued at up to $1.2 billion. This acquisition is expected to create a fully integrated sports and gaming media powerhouse, significantly boosting Genius Sports' revenue, EBITDA, and cash flow by providing greater scale, stronger margins, and enhanced fan monetization through Legend's extensive audience and marketing technology. The transaction is projected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
Genius Sports to Buy Legend in Up to $1.2 Billion Deal to Build Integrated Sports Data and Media Giant
Genius Sports will acquire Legend (Zeal Ltd) for up to $1.2 billion, aiming to create a comprehensive sports data and media network. This acquisition is expected to significantly boost Genius Sports' profitability, cash generation, and market footprint by integrating Legend's digital sports and gaming media network with its existing operations. The deal projects substantial revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth through 2028 and aims to "supercharge" fan monetization.
Truist Securities reiterates Buy rating on Genius Sports stock with $15 target
Truist Securities has reiterated its Buy rating and $15 price target for Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE:GENI) following recent investor meetings, citing the company's compelling less volatile growth story and the unique aspect of its Media business. Despite not being profitable in the last twelve months, analysts expect Genius Sports to achieve profitability this year, with its Fair Value suggesting the stock may be undervalued. This comes as Genius Sports launched its BetVision platform for tennis at the Australian Open and analysts provide varied perspectives on the company's future.
Reassessing Genius Sports (GENI) After Recent Share Price Weakness And DCF Upside Potential
Genius Sports (GENI) has experienced recent share price weakness, with a 10% decline over 7 days and a 21.1% decline over 30 days. Despite this, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests the stock is undervalued by 59.6%, with an intrinsic value of $21.52 per share compared to its current price of US$8.70. However, its Price/Sales (P/S) ratio of 3.44x is significantly higher than the Hospitality industry average, indicating it may be overvalued by this metric.
Genius Sports (GENI) Valuation Check As BetVision For Tennis Launches With Australian Open
Genius Sports (GENI) has launched BetVision for Tennis, an integrated betting interface, coinciding with the Australian Open. Despite recent stock improvements, the company's valuation is under scrutiny, with analysts suggesting it's 39.9% undervalued at $15.89 per share due to expected long-term earnings growth from interactive content, while others point to its P/S ratio of 3.8x as potentially overvalued compared to industry averages and peers. The article encourages investors to consider both growth potential and market expectations.
iGaming news | Genius Sports includes tennis in BetVision coverage
Genius Sports has expanded its BetVision product to include tennis, coinciding with the 2026 Australian Open. This integration combines streaming with betting features, game statistics, and micro-markets to boost engagement and stake size for operators. The move aims to enhance the in-play betting experience for tennis, a sport where 90% of bets are placed live.
Genius Sports debuts tennis BetVision with Infront | GENI Stock News
Genius Sports (NYSE: GENI) has launched BetVision for Tennis in partnership with Infront Bettor, enhancing the live betting experience for tennis matches. This new platform integrates low latency live streams with interactive features, official stats, and micro-markets directly into a single player. It is designed to increase engagement and stake size, rolling out for the Australian Open and ITF competitions.
Stifel initiates Genius Sports stock with Hold rating, $10 price target
Stifel has initiated coverage on Genius Sports Ltd. (NYSE:GENI) with a Hold rating and a $10.00 price target. This aligns closely with the stock’s current price of $9.73 and InvestingPro’s Fair Value assessment, which views the stock as slightly undervalued. The firm acknowledges the company's "attractive ‘picks & shovels’ model" in online sports betting, characterized by recurring revenues and strong growth targets, but deems the risk-reward balanced due to its premium multiple and competitive risks.
Genius Sports Launches BetVision for Tennis
Genius Sports has launched BetVision for Tennis, expanding its product to include live streams, integrated betslips, official statistics, and micro markets for tennis. The service will cover major events like the Australian Open and ITF competitions through a partnership with Infront Bettor. This aims to enhance the live betting experience, particularly for in-play tennis bets, which account for approximately 90% of all tennis wagers.
