U.S.-based firm leads investment into curling to build sport's future

UNA Sports Group, which recently closed on an investment in women’s 3-on-3 pro basketball startup Unrivaled and acquired X Games League franchises in New York earlier this year, is also a believer in curling’s future.

On Thursday, it announced an eight-figure investment in The Curling Group, the company behind Grand Slam of Curling, Rock Channel and Rock League. Relay Ventures, one of Canada’s leading independent venture capital fund managers, is providing financial support.

CBC Sports announced a five-year broadcast agreement with The Curling Group in mid-August, offering additional GSOC playoff coverage and every Rock League game to its platforms.

The agreement will contribute to over 300 hours of combined television coverage across CBC and Rogers Sportsnet during the 2026-27 season.

UNA Sports Group is a newly formed sports investment firm focused on acquiring and developing franchises in emerging and high-growth leagues that also backs sports media assets.

“We look for sports where fan demand is already strong and the commercial opportunity is just beginning to take shape, and curling is a perfect example,” David Rader, UNA co-founder, president and CEO, told CBC Sports.

As part of UNA’s investment, Rader will join TCG board while Del Wright, UNA co-founder, CEO and managing partner, will serve as a board observer. UNA will also work alongside TCG’s leadership on strategy, commercial partnerships and growth initiatives.

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Curling’s audience is growing rapidly, as evidenced by the recent GSOC season opener in Victoria. The event generated 105.5 million social impressions