Massachusetts-based toy manufacturer Oyo Sports has agreements with MLB, the NFL and NHL -- as well as their players associations -- and deals with European soccer teams "are in the works," but a
recent influx of fresh capital "comes with expectations that Oyo will build its muscles in digital media and gaming," according to a company profile by Scott Kirsner of the BOSTON GLOBE. Oyo, which "makes plastic 'minifigure' toys that resemble star athletes," also "has a licensing deal" with MLS, but "hasn't begun making products." The company has raised $14M in funding this year alone, including last week's $11M equity financing round announced that was led by Manadalay Sports Media, which is chaired by Warriors and Dodgers co-Owner Peter Guber. Oyo's toys "are starting to show up in more Target stores." The company already is "making YouTube videos featuring animated versions of its toys." Mandalay CEO Rich Battista said, "The long-term vision is to really build up a 360-degree brand that lives in the virtual and the physical world. The days of kids just sitting on the floor and playing with physical toys is really long gone.” Kirsner noted about 100 people work for Oyo, but that "can increase by 50 or more at times of peak production (
BOSTON GLOBE, 10/11).
