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Axel Springer Invests in Futez and Marquee and Expands Its International Sports Portfolio

With these two investments, Axel Springer is further expanding its international sports portfolio centered on BILD, Transfermarkt, and TorAlarm.

Marc Nemitz · Berlin, 06. August 2026

Axel Springer Invests in Futez and Marquee and Expands Its International Sports Portfolio — Axel Springer investiert in Futez und Marquee

Axel Springer is expanding its digital sports business with two strategic investments. The media company is acquiring a majority stake in the Brazilian soccer app Futez and is also investing in the Israeli AI platform Marquee. Both investments are intended to specifically strengthen the BILD Group’s international sports portfolio, which includes SPORT BILD, Transfermarkt, and TorAlarm.

Majority Stake in Brazilian Soccer App Futez

By acquiring a majority stake in Futez, Axel Springer is further expanding its presence in the international soccer market. Launched in 2025, the platform allows fans to rate soccer matches, write reviews, grade players, and document the atmosphere in the stadium or the referees’ performance. The goal is to permanently document personal soccer experiences digitally and share them with other fans.

The founders, João Tomazetti Scholz and Giuliano Reginatto, will remain managing directors of the company. Futez is already one of the fastest-growing soccer apps in Brazil. More than 100,000 users have submitted over 900,000 match ratings and 4.5 million player ratings to date.

AI Platform Marquee Supports Professional Clubs

In addition to Futez, Axel Springer is also investing in the Israeli sports tech company Marquee. The platform uses artificial intelligence to consolidate tracking data, video footage, and scouting reports to help clubs make data-driven decisions.

More than 20 professional clubs and associations are already using the solution. These include organizations from the Premier League, Serie A, and Major League Soccer (MLS). In addition, Marquee is expanding its technology to other sports and is already collaborating with teams from the NBA and the EuroLeague.

Expansion of the International Sports Business

With these two investments, Axel Springer is pursuing a two-pronged strategy: While Futez strengthens fan interaction and digital community experiences, Marquee addresses the growing market for data-driven analytics and AI solutions in professional sports. The investments complement the BILD Group’s existing sports portfolio and are intended to further expand the company’s international position in the digital sports market.

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