Arbiter's Acquisition of BigTeams Marks a New Era for U.S. High School Athletics

Arbiter's Strategic Acquisition of BigTeams: A New Chapter in High School Athletics

In a significant move to enhance its impact in the realm of high school sports, Arbiter, a prominent player in K–12 athletic and event management, has successfully acquired BigTeams. This partnership not only marks the unification of three highly regarded platforms in the education sports technology sector but also reinforces Arbiter's commitment to supporting school systems across the United States.

Strength in Numbers: Uniting for a Common Goal

Arbiter's strategic acquisition of BigTeams comes on the heels of its recent collaboration with rSchoolToday, bringing together a wealth of over a century of combined experience focused on serving educational institutions, districts, and athletic associations. By merging these entities, Arbiter is poised to extend its reach and resources, ensuring that the needs of schools, coaches, officials, and families engaged in high school athletics are met with greater efficiency and innovation.

“While Arbiter and BigTeams have consistently provided vital support for school athletics, this newly formed partnership integrates the systems that schools rely on every day,” states Kyle Ford, Arbiter’s CEO and President. With this acquisition, Arbiter aims to deliver more comprehensive solutions to BigTeams’ existing customer base, which comprises around 3,000 institutions, enhancing services in areas such as payments, scheduling, and eligibility management, thereby simplifying the administrative responsibilities for schools.

Continuity and Expansion for BigTeams Customers

For current BigTeams clients, the acquisition signifies a continuation of the services they have grown to trust, along with an easy transition to Arbiter's leading platform. Over the coming months, users can expect to see enhancements in tools and operations that will provide seamless workflow opportunities and bolster overall support tailored to the evolving demands of high school athletics.

Joe Romano, CEO of BigTeams, emphasized the significance of this merger, expressing that it unlocks new potential for both teams and customers. “This partnership stands as a monumental moment for BigTeams. We’ve dedicated over two decades to helping schools achieve their athletic goals, and aligning with Arbiter opens the door to unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation,” Romano remarked.

With the combined forces of Arbiter and BigTeams, the new organization will feature over 150 employees across the U.S. and a robust international support framework to ensure quality service extension.

Trusted Partnerships and Future Outlook

Arbiter is already established as a well-trusted technology partner to more than 30 state athletic associations, solidifying its role within the sports management landscape. As the official technology provider for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Arbiter is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern athletic management.

Ford expressed gratitude towards the BigTeams leadership, acknowledging their commitment to enhancing the lives of schools and their communities. “We’re thrilled to welcome BigTeams’ employees and clients into the Arbiter family, forging a path toward a future filled with shared expertise and mutual values.”

The collaboration not only aims to streamline the functionalities critical to K–12 sports management but also aspires to maintain the legacy of both brands in promoting excellence in school athletics. Arbiter has long been at the forefront of athletic management and operations, with over 20,000 schools and 4,500 leagues and associations already benefiting from its centralized solutions for registration, payments, scheduling, and facilities management.

With more than $3 billion in facilitated payments and over 10 million officiated assignments annually, Arbiter’s influence continues to optimize how K–12 institutions operate, fostering an environment where athletes can thrive in sports and school activities. As Arbiter integrates BigTeams into its operations, stakeholders can anticipate a future where technology enhances the athletic experience for all involved. To learn more about Arbiter’s offerings, visit www.arbiter.io.