R-GOL Expands into Sports Technology with sportbm Acquisition

R-GOL, the leading multi-brand distributor of football merchandise in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and backed by Innova Capital, has acquired a majority stake in sportbm, a Polish software developer specializing in management systems for sports clubs and academies. This acquisition marks R-GOL’s strategic entry into the rapidly growing sports technology market and diversifies its business model with subscription-based revenues.

About sportbm: Innovating Sports Club Management

With over 8 years of experience in the Polish market, sportbm provides advanced, user-friendly tools for managing sports academies and clubs across 30 disciplines. The company focuses on developing IT systems for sports federations and a SaaS platform designed to support entities training children and youth.

Key features of sportbm’s platform include:

• Data administration and management.
• Activity planning and training process organization.
• Multi-channel communication tools.
• Billing automation for efficient operations.

As a trusted partner of sports organizations, sportbm ensures continuous innovation and support, offering high-quality services through an in-house team of developers.

R-GOL’s Strategic Vision

R-GOL plans to integrate sportbm’s platform into its operations across all markets, including Western Europe, where it recently acquired Unisport, a leading online football retailer. The partnership will create an innovation hub focused on enhancing digitalization in the football ecosystem, particularly for clubs and academies.

Key goals of the collaboration include:

• Expanding sportbm’s reach to clubs across Europe.
• Combining R-GOL’s football products with sportbm’s digital tools, such as online profiles, document management, and insurance services.
• Introducing future services, including medical care, mental training, nutrition, and supplementation.
• Exploring further acquisitions of sports software providers in Europe to consolidate its position in the sport-tech market.

Leadership Insights

Wojciech Murawski, co-founder of sportbm and Autopay board member, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:
"We built the sportbm platform to address the low level of digitalization in sports. Joining forces with R-GOL is a natural progression, allowing us to create a unique ecosystem for players and clubs. This partnership opens new growth opportunities and sets a benchmark for the European market."

Łukasz Cyran, Managing Director at Innova Capital, highlighted the potential of the collaboration:
"The partnership with sportbm allows R-GOL to tap into the SaaS market, creating new ways to engage with players, parents, and coaches. This venture underscores R-GOL’s ambition and professionalism, and we’re excited to see its impact."

R-GOL: A Market Leader with Global Aspirations

With over 20 years of experience, R-GOL operates in 14 CEE countries, working directly with 1,000+ football clubs and managing a network of 14 physical showrooms alongside its robust e-commerce channel.

The company’s June 2023 acquisition of Unisport significantly expanded its presence in Western Europe, leveraging social media and online retail expertise. Through strategic acquisitions and innovative digital strategies, R-GOL aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem for football enthusiasts, players, and clubs, solidifying its leadership in Europe and aspiring to become the world’s top specialist in football merchandise.