Better Collective Posts Q1 Growth, Maintains 2026 Outlook

Better Collective started 2026 well in the first quarter with higher revenue and increased earnings, while maintaining its full-year outlook. The sports media and betting affiliate group highlighted steady growth in key markets, particularly North America, and progress across a number of its digital products.

Strong North America Growth Boosts Quarterly Earnings

Revenue in the three months ended March amounted to EUR 86.3 million ($100.2 million), up 5% on the same period last year. Excluding currency effects, growth was stronger at 9%. However, movements in exchange rates, mainly with the US dollar, were a negative influence on the reported figures. 

Profitability improved during the quarter. Earnings before special items increased 14% to EUR 25.1 million ($29.1 million) with margins up to 29%. Net profit more than doubled year-on-year, reflecting operational gains as well as a more stable cost base. 

The North American business was a significant driver of performance, with revenue from revenue-sharing agreements jumping 46%. This helped offset challenges in other regions, including regulatory adjustments in Brazil and fluctuations in sports betting margins that slightly impacted overall results.

Recurring revenue was a major pillar of growth and increased marginally to just over EUR 50 million ($58 million). This is a segment that continues to be a focus for the company as it provides more predictability and reduces exposure to short-term volatility. 

Better Collective Reaffirms 2026 Outlook With Steady Growth Plans

Operational growth was supported in several areas, including paid media activities, partnerships with sports personalities, and esports platforms. Paid media alone drove double-digit growth, with more investment and better returns from data-driven campaigns. Meanwhile, the esports division continued its expansion, benefiting from increased sponsorship demand and stronger engagement across its communities. 

Additionally, during the quarter, Better Collective deepened its collaboration with social platform X. The new deal expands the reach of its AI-powered betting tool Playbook to a global customer base and adds new interactive capabilities. Reports suggest that the product has been met with substantial user engagement and strong early adoption trends, with the United States being a particularly strong market. 

The company’s diversified structure is helping it navigate regulatory changes and changing market conditions, management said. The group combines media capabilities, technology, and marketing and wants to create more engaging user experiences and generate long-term value. 

Looking ahead, Better Collective reaffirmed its guidance for 2026. It expects organic revenue growth of between 7% and 12% and earnings before special items growth of between 8% and 18%. The plan also calls for annual share buybacks of EUR 40 million ($46.4 million). Later in the year, the upcoming FIFA World Cup is expected to act as a catalyst, potentially increasing user activity and acquisition across a number of markets. The company was generally positive on its strategy, saying continued investment in technology and product development were the main drivers of future growth.