Finance Notes: Whistle Sports Raises $28M In Series D Funding

Digital entertainment company Whistle Sports raised $28M as part of ongoing Series D funding. The new round of funding is being led by Aser, a global investment company that also counts League Championship side Leeds United as part of its portfolio (VARIETY, 6/21).

Sports Direct sold its shares in Finish Line, the American footwear chain that was taken over by JD Sports. Sports Direct Owner Mike Ashley said that his company divested its 19.3% shareholding a day after JD Sports "completed its takeover" of Finish Line. Sports Direct sold the stake for about £34M ($45M), but as it has not disclosed its buy-in price, it is "not clear what profit it made on the holding" (LONDON TIMES, 6/21).

Entrepreneur Stuart Murphy agreed to give £1M ($1.3M) to "help secure" the future of National League North side Chester. He will donate the cash over three years to help the club. The team was relegated from the National League last season "as it struggled financially" (BBC, 6/19).