Hawkeye Beacon merges with On3 as part of Rivals acquisition
Deal News | Jun 05, 2025 | EIN
The acquisition of Rivals by On3 is ushering in a new phase for the sports media landscape, notably affecting fan sites like Hawkeye Beacon. The latter will cease its standalone publication after June 30, 2023, and will subsequently merge with and redirect users to Hawkeye Report on the On3 platform from July 1. Subscribers currently with Rivals will transition to On3, maintaining access to Iowa sports coverage through the Hawkeye Report. Although the integration aims to improve user experience by incorporating fan data and historical message board content into On3, some features will be made available gradually, with a specific timeline yet to be released. The Hawkeye Beacon staff will continue their involvement until the end of June, but will not pursue coverage of Iowa sports thereafter. This change is a strategic move by On3 to consolidate Rivals fan sites, reflecting broader trends in the media's adaptation to digital environments.
Sectors
- Media and Entertainment
- Technology
Geography
- United States – The entities involved, Rivals, On3, and Hawkeye Beacon, operate within the U.S., focusing on American sports coverage and catering to domestic audiences.
Industry
- Media and Entertainment – This industry encompasses companies involved in the creation, distribution, and publishing of content. The merger and changes surrounding On3 and Rivals fall under this as it involves the adaptation of sports media platforms.
- Technology – The integration of user data and message board content onto the On3 platform highlights the technological aspects of the merger, requiring IT infrastructure and software capabilities.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkeye Beacon | Target Company | Company | A sports fan site providing coverage for Iowa teams, being merged into On3 after the acquisition. |
| On3 | Bidding Company | Company | A sports media platform acquiring Rivals, integrating several fan sites including Hawkeye Beacon. |
| Rivals | Selling Company | Company | A network of sports fan sites acquired by On3, leading to the restructuring of individual sites like Hawkeye Beacon. |