EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & VISION
Five-Year Strategic Vision (2025-2029)
The APX Group’s five-year strategic plan for the Mid America League (MAL) envisions aggressive franchise expansion and deep integration of APXCOIN® throughout league operations. Between 2025 and 2029, MAL will grow from a regional 6-team league into a 30+ team enterprise with national reach and initial international footholds. Expansion will target underserved mid-sized cities (populations ~100,000+) that lack nearby professional baseball but have strong community and collegiate ties.
Fig 1.1: Vision for Aggressive Franchise Expansion (2025-2029)
Capital Allocation & Crypto Integration
In parallel, APXCOIN® – APX Group’s blockchain-based utility token – will become a core transactional and engagement medium. A phased roadmap details franchise launches, crypto infrastructure rollouts, and revenue milestones. This capital allocation strategy, backed by a $5,000,000 capital raise (Funding Date: Oct 15, 2025), ensures sufficient runway to achieve critical mass.
Strategic Pivot: From Tenants to Developers
New Insight: While the initial phase relies on leasing existing high-quality collegiate stadiums, the long-term investment strategy extends beyond baseball operations. Leveraging the "public-private partnership" model, the Joint Venture aims to use the success of these franchises to catalyze sports-anchored mixed-use development projects. By proving the viability of the market, the Group positions itself to partner with municipalities on developing entertainment districts surrounding future venues, effectively adding a Real Estate Development vertical to the portfolio. This long-term vision transforms the league from a simple tenant into a key stakeholder in municipal urban planning, creating asset value that appreciates independently of game-day revenues.
Vision Alignment: Tech-Forward Sports Enterprise
APX Group seeks to revolutionize entertainment and sports by leveraging blockchain (the APXCOIN® ecosystem) to create new monetization and fan engagement pathways. The Mid America League – a hybrid pro/amateur summer baseball league launched in 2024 – provides an ideal platform to realize this vision.
APX GROUP & THE WEB3 REVOLUTION
Strategic Position: A Global Media Powerhouse
APX Group is a multinational investment company and media conglomerate headquartered in New York, with a post-money valuation of $1.23 Billion (March 2023). It has fundamentally redefined media financing by "weaponizing" its vast global infrastructure. Unlike traditional financiers, APX owns a massive network of studios (Twickenham Studios, Augustus Color). This physical footprint acts as the group's "massive arm," allowing APX to grant financing to creative projects by using its own facilities as currency.
With over €3 Billion in funding lines secured (including a €2B facility in Italy and €1B in Portugal), APX effectively functions as an investment bank for the creative industries. Its core business logic is profound: when APX grants financing through its network for a fair market price, the actual hard cost of that investment is only about 30% of its market value. This hard cost is then comprehensively covered by government tax credits, creating a uniquely de-risked and highly scalable investment model.
The "DeFiFi" Model in Sports
This same "DeFiFi" (Decentralized Media Finance) model is now being adapted to revolutionize the sports industry through the Mid America League partnership. By applying these same principles of leveraging infrastructure and tax incentives to stadium leases and municipal partnerships, the Joint Venture creates a financial fortress around the league's expansion. The ability to use existing physical assets to underwrite digital expansion creates a unique competitive advantage that purely digital crypto projects or purely physical sports leagues cannot replicate.
The integration of the "DeFiFi" model into sports represents a paradigm shift. Just as APX uses studio facilities to back film financing, the National Sports Group will leverage stadium assets and broadcast rights to back the APXCOIN® ecosystem. This tangible backing separates APXCOIN® from speculative crypto assets, grounding it in the real-world economics of ticket sales, concessions, and media rights. This approach allows the league to capitalize on the liquidity of global crypto markets while maintaining the stability of a traditional brick-and-mortar business, creating a "best of both worlds" scenario for investors and stakeholders.
OFFICIAL VERIFICATION & RESOURCES
THE JOINT VENTURE
Forging Operational Excellence with Global Scale
The strategic engine of our enterprise is the APX National Sports Group, a 50/50 joint venture partnership that merges two powerful and complementary entities. It combines the proven, on-the-ground operational expertise of the Mid America League Investment Group (MALIG) with the global capital, marketing, and technology platform of APX Group. This synergy is designed to de-risk execution and accelerate growth far beyond what either party could achieve alone, creating an institutional-grade entity attractive to investors, municipalities, and national sponsors. By fusing MALIG's "Business-in-a-Box" operational capabilities with APX's "High-Octane" financial and technological engine, the Joint Venture is uniquely positioned to dominate the independent sports landscape.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Legal Entity | APX National Sports Group, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
| Domicile | Delaware, USA |
| Equity Ownership | 50.0% to APX Group 50.0% to Mid America League Investment Group (MALIG) |
| Primary Mandate |
1. Operate: Professionally manage the 5-franchise portfolio to maximize profitability and fan engagement. 2. Capitalize: Serve as the primary entity for all capital-raising activities, including the initial $5,000,000 raise. 3. Expand: Actively seek, vet, and acquire new franchises in target markets. 4. Maximize Value: Leverage combined assets to generate new revenue streams (e.g., technology licensing, media rights, non-baseball events). |
Fig 3.1: 50/50 Equity Distribution
STRATEGIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK & KEY PROVISIONS
1. Capitalization & Bridge Financing
The JV Agreement mandates a precise capitalization structure. APX Group commits to a $2,000,000 Matching Fund in APX-Coins and $750,000 in in-kind strategic services. MALIG contributes all foundational assets (leases, IP) and $500,000 in cash. Crucially, the agreement authorizes a Bridge Loan of up to $800,000 at a flat 15% interest rate, convertible into equity at a valuation cap of $20M, ensuring immediate working capital agility. This structure ensures that the JV is well-capitalized from day one, with a mix of liquid crypto assets, hard cash, and valuable intellectual property.
2. Tag-Along & Transfer Rights
To protect minority interests, the agreement includes robust Tag-Along Rights. If a selling shareholder proposes to transfer more than 50% of their shares to a third party, the non-selling shareholder has the right to require the third party to purchase their shares on the same terms. Additionally, a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) grants the non-selling partner a 30-day option to purchase any shares offered for sale. These provisions are critical for maintaining the integrity of the partnership and preventing unwanted third-party interference.
3. Intellectual Property (IP) Assignment
The agreement enforces a strict IP regime. APX grants the Company a royalty-free license to use the "APX" brand. Simultaneously, MALIG irrevocably assigns all franchise IP—including names like "Beaumont Oil Barons" and "Bryan Cogs," logos, and fan databases—to the JV entity, ensuring the Company holds all intrinsic value. This consolidation of IP assets is essential for future valuation and potential exit strategies, ensuring that the brand equity built over the coming years is fully captured by the JV.
4. Deadlock Resolution Mechanism
To prevent operational paralysis, the agreement outlines a tiered resolution process for "Deadlock" situations (e.g., 50/50 board splits). Disputes escalate first to the Principals for a 30-day negotiation period, followed by independent mediation, and finally binding arbitration in New York under AAA rules if unresolved. This sophisticated governance structure demonstrates the institutional quality of the partnership, providing comfort to investors that the JV is built to withstand internal disagreements.
Fig 3.2: Board Composition and Governance
5. Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenants
Both parties are bound by a strict Non-Compete clause, prohibiting them from owning or operating any independent baseball league or franchise within a 100-mile radius of any Company stadium during the term and for one year thereafter. This protects the JV's market territory and ensures that the principals remain fully committed to the success of the shared enterprise.
THE PLATFORM & BUSINESS ECONOMICS
The Business of Baseball: How an Independent League Works
To understand the value of this investment, one must step out of the bleachers and into the front office. While the crack of the bat is the heart of the game, a successful league is built on a solid business foundation. The Mid America League operates in a specialized niche within the baseball ecosystem known as the "Hybrid-Model Pro/Amateur" sector. This model blends the best elements of different tiers, allowing the league to feature both experienced players pursuing a professional career and top college players looking to hone their skills. Unlike Major League Baseball (MLB), which relies heavily on massive TV contracts, independent leagues thrive on the "gate"—ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise—making community engagement the primary driver of revenue. This "Business of Baseball" document demystifies these operations, proving that with the right game plan, a passion for baseball can become a thriving, profitable business.
| League Type | Entry Fee | Player Model | MLB Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor League (MiLB) | $8,000,000 - $80,000,000+ | Affiliated Prospects | Direct MLB Affiliation |
| Independent Pro | $2,000,000 - $10,000,000 | Paid Pros (Undrafted) | Scouted, No Affiliation |
| Mid America League | $350,000 | Hybrid (NIL + Pro) | Scouted, No Affiliation |
| Summer Collegiate | $500,000 - $1,500,000 | Amateur Only | Heavily Scouted |
Fig 4.1: Entry Cost Comparison Across League Tiers
The Economics of the Central League Office
The central league office—the franchisor—has its own sources of income separate from the individual teams. These funds cover operations, administration, and expansion. The primary drivers are League Dues and Player Fees, which are contractually guaranteed and scale perfectly with growth. This creates a highly predictable financial foundation. Unlike individual teams that may face weather-related revenue dips, the League Office's income is fixed and recurring, providing a stable cash flow floor for the entire enterprise.
Revenue Streams (Projected Growth):
- League Dues: The annual fee each team pays. Projected to grow from $420,000 (10 teams) to $1,008,000 (24 teams). This scaling occurs without significant addition to the central office overhead.
- Player Fees: Paid by teams to cover administrative costs. Projected to grow from $180,000 (10 teams) to $432,000 (24 teams). This pass-through revenue ensures the league remains cash-flow positive on personnel operations.
- Sponsorships & Streaming: Ancillary income growing from $40,000 to $100,000+. As the league footprint grows, the value of league-wide sponsorship assets increases exponentially.
Operating Expenses Breakdown:
For a 10-team league, the operating budget is lean. Major General & Administrative (G&A) expenses include Legal ($40,000), Accounting/Bookkeeping ($36,000), and Expansion Efforts ($25,000). Payroll is streamlined at $118,000, funding three key positions: Executive Director, Umpire Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. This fixed-cost structure means that as the league expands, revenue grows much faster than expenses, creating significant operating leverage. For instance, league operating profit (EBITDA) grows from $263,950 with 10 teams to $1,101,318 with 24 teams. This exponential growth in profitability demonstrates the inherent scalability of the franchisor model.
The NIL Innovation: Cutting Costs, Boosting Talent
The MAL’s most significant innovation is its integration of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program. This allows the league to attract and compensate elite college players through sponsorships and public appearances while they retain their amateur status. This pioneering concept eliminates the two largest cost centers in professional sports: direct player salaries and workman's compensation expenses. By replacing payroll with opportunity, the MAL dramatically lowers the breakeven point for every franchise.
In a traditional minor league model, player-related costs can account for over 50% of an operating budget. By eliminating this category entirely, our model fundamentally de-risks the franchise P&L. Furthermore, players are often housed with local host families, which not only saves the team money on housing but also builds powerful, grassroots connections within the community. This "Host Family" program creates a web of loyal families who become the team's biggest evangelists, driving ticket sales through word-of-mouth marketing that money cannot buy.
Fig 4.2: Operational Expense Savings via NIL Model
THE INAUGURAL PORTFOLIO
Detailed Market Analysis & Team Identities
The Investment Group's acquisition includes five expansion franchises, each secured through strategic partnerships with local municipalities and universities. The strength of our portfolio is rooted in its deliberate construction and strategic use of public-private partnerships. By securing long-term agreements with universities and city governments for the use of high-quality, existing stadiums, we eliminate the significant capital expenditure and risk associated with facility development. This "asset-light" approach allows capital to be deployed towards revenue-generating activities (marketing, fan experience) rather than concrete and steel.
Fig 5.1: Portfolio Market Population Analysis
Beaumont, TX (Bayhounds)
Formerly identified as the "Oil Barons," the Beaumont Bayhounds will operate out of Vincent-Beck Stadium on the campus of Lamar University. This symmetrical park (325' corners, 380' center) features chairback seats, an air-conditioned press box, and paved parking. The market is part of the Beaumont-Port Arthur MSA (~390,000 population) and serves as a major hub for the energy industry. The "Bayhounds" brand pays homage to the coastal/industrial nature of the region, creating an instantly recognizable identity for locals.
Top Local Employers: Lamar University (17,000 students), Beaumont Independent School District, ExxonMobil Corporation (Beaumont Refinery), Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Motiva Enterprises, Valero. The strong industrial base provides a rich target for corporate sponsorships and luxury suite sales.
Brazos Valley, TX (River Otters)
Located in Bryan, TX, the Brazos Valley River Otters tap into the rich minor league history of the region. The franchise will play at Travis Major Field (formerly Bomber Field), a 2,000-seat historic ballpark (est. 1947) owned by the City of Bryan. Known as the "heart and soul" of the Bryan-College Station area, the city features a vibrant historic downtown. The market benefits from the immense economic engine of Texas A&M University nearby, providing a constant stream of educated, sports-hungry residents.
Top Local Employers: Texas A&M University (17,000+ employees), H-E-B, FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnology Texas, Sanderson Farms, Wayfair, G-CON Manufacturing, American Lumber. The proximity to A&M allows for unique student-focused promotions and internships.
Ruston, LA (Gandy Dancers)
Embracing local railroad history, the Ruston Gandy Dancers call this vibrant college town home. Ruston is a top-40 market for college baseball attendance nationally. The franchise will partner with Louisiana Tech University to play at the 2,000+ capacity J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park. This premier facility features four executive suites, a full clubhouse, locker room, and laundry facilities. The market's economy is centered on higher education and healthcare, sectors known for stability.
Top Local Employers: Louisiana Tech University (1,200 employees), Lincoln Parish School Board, Northern Louisiana Medical Center, Green Clinic, Grambling State University, Origin Bank. The "Gandy Dancer" moniker celebrates the rail workers who built the region, fostering deep local pride.
Nacogdoches, TX (Leopard Frogs)
Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, will host the Nacogdoches Leopard Frogs. The team will play at Jaycees Field in partnership with Stephen F. Austin University. The unique branding ("Leopard Frogs") is designed to appeal to the younger demographic and merchandise collectors while the market is economically stabilized by the university, manufacturing, and healthcare. The quirky name is a calculated marketing move to drive merchandise sales outside the local market.
Top Local Employers: Stephen F. Austin State University, Pilgrim's Pride, Nacogdoches Independent School District, Nacogdoches County Hospital District, Etech, Inc, Nacogdoches Medical Center, Walmart. The university partnership ensures access to a high-quality facility with minimal overhead.
Fort Scott, KS (Dragoons)
Fort Scott has a deep baseball history that includes the Fort Scott Giants of the early 1900s. The Fort Scott Dragoons honor the city's military frontier history. The city serves as a regional hub located 90 miles south of Kansas City, drawing from a combined bi-state market of over 100,000 people across Kansas and Missouri. The team will play at the LaRoche Baseball Complex (Dave Regan Stadium), a modern facility featuring an artificial turf infield, indoor batting cages, air-conditioned press box, and home/visitor clubhouses. The fixed seating of 500 is expandable to 3,500 with grass berms, allowing for massive capacity expansion for special events.
Fig 5.2: Stadium Capacities and Infrastructure
TECHNOLOGY CATALYST: APXCOIN®
Integrating APXCOIN® into League Operations
1. Ticketing & Stadium Concessions
Vision: Transition MAL to a blockchain-based ticketing system and enable APXCOIN® payments for tickets and in-venue purchases. This will reduce fraud, enable smart-ticket features (resale royalties, bundled experiences), and provide fans with convenient digital wallet payments on game day.
APXCOIN® Ticketing
Starting in 2025, MAL will pilot APXCOIN®-powered ticket sales for select franchises (especially the new APX-owned teams). Fans will purchase game tickets through a MAL mobile app or website that integrates APX’s crypto wallet. Each ticket can be issued as a NFT (non-fungible token) or digital token representing a seat, recorded on the blockchain. This approach has precedent: the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, for example, introduced NFT-based season tickets in 2021, with each token representing a specific seat and making ticket resales more secure and traceable. By 2027, MAL aims to extend blockchain ticketing league-wide, eliminating paper tickets and leveraging the transparency of blockchain to track attendance and fan engagement. This ensures that the league captures secondary market value, a massive revenue stream traditionally lost to third-party scalpers.
Stadium Concessions in APXCOIN®
APXCOIN® will be accepted at ballpark concession stands and merchandise shops. In early trials (2025–2026), a few venues will equip registers with APXCOIN® payment QR codes or point-of-sale integrations. Fans can buy food, drinks, and team gear using their APXCOIN® wallets for a quick, cashless transaction. Crypto payments for in-stadium purchases are gaining traction in pro sports – e.g. the Seattle Seahawks rolled out crypto payments for select in-stadium purchases in 2019, with over 10,000 fans using crypto during the pilot. MAL will build on these examples, ensuring speed and ease (possibly using lightning network or sidechain solutions for near-instant settlements). By 2027, all MAL stadiums should accept APXCOIN® (alongside traditional payment methods), and fans paying in APXCOIN® could receive small discounts or loyalty points to spur adoption. This data-rich transaction layer allows for hyper-targeted marketing; if a fan buys a hot dog with APXCOIN®, the system can instantly air-drop a discount coupon for a soda, driving incremental revenue in real-time.
2. Sponsorship Transactions and Partnerships
Vision: Make APXCOIN® the default medium for sponsorship deals and commercial transactions within MAL. This involves both accepting sponsor payments in APXCOIN® and using smart contracts to automate and track sponsorship rights.
Crypto Sponsorship Deals
The sports industry has witnessed an influx of crypto sponsorships – for example, the UFC’s landmark $175M partnership with Crypto.com in 2021. APX Group will leverage MAL to forge similar partnerships but with a twist: sponsors (especially tech and local businesses) are encouraged to pay for sponsorship packages using APXCOIN®. This could range from a local sponsor buying scoreboard ad space with APXCOIN®, to national crypto companies partnering with MAL as “Official Blockchain Partner” paid in tokens. Accepting APXCOIN® demonstrates confidence in the currency and keeps the value circulating within the ecosystem. Furthermore, these deals can be structured via smart contracts – e.g. an on-chain agreement that automatically releases a sponsorship NFT or activates certain promotions when payment is received, ensuring transparency and instant settlement. This automation reduces administrative overhead by up to 40% and ensures that deliverables are met before funds are released, creating a trustless environment for business efficiency.
University & Community Partnerships
MAL’s model relies on close ties with universities and municipalities (several franchises are joint ventures with host cities or colleges). APXCOIN® can streamline these partnerships by facilitating revenue-sharing and cost-sharing via blockchain. For instance, a city that owns the stadium could receive its share of ticket revenue in APXCOIN® in real time as tickets are sold (the smart contract splits a percentage to the city’s wallet). Or a university partnering on NIL programs could be paid an administrative fee in APXCOIN® for services. These arrangements reduce paperwork and delays, and they provide an immutable ledger of all transactions for trust between parties.
3. NIL Payments to Players via APXCOIN®
Vision: Utilize APXCOIN® to streamline and enhance MAL’s hallmark NIL program, which compensates college players for summer play while preserving amateur status. By 2026, MAL will work with its NIL administration partner to incorporate APXCOIN® as a payout option, giving players faster access to earnings and potential upside in the token’s value.
APXCOIN® Stipends
Each MAL franchise pays select collegiate players an NIL stipend (for use of their name/image and promotional appearances). Rather than traditional checks, MAL will offer these payments in APXCOIN® (with player consent). For example, a player might earn the equivalent of $500/month in APXCOIN® for the season. Because APXCOIN® transactions are near-instant and low-fee, this ensures players get paid immediately after each game or promotional event. A secure player wallet system will be set up, with education for athletes on how to use and cash out tokens responsibly. By 2027, we target at least 40% of MAL players opting to receive part of their NIL compensation in APXCOIN®. This also opens the door for "Performance Bonuses" encoded in smart contracts—hit a home run, and the "Home Run Sponsor" smart contract automatically deposits a bonus into the player's wallet, visible to fans on the scoreboard.
4. Fan Engagement, Loyalty, and DAO Governance
Vision: Use APXCOIN® and blockchain tech to supercharge fan engagement – turning passive spectators into active participants and loyal community members. MAL’s relatively small markets actually enable high-touch fan interaction, and APXCOIN® tools will magnify this.
Interactive Fan Voting & Governance
Drawing inspiration from fan token models (like Socios.com), MAL will allow APXCOIN® holders (or special fan token holders) to vote on certain team or league decisions. By 2026, MAL can start with simple polls – e.g. let fans vote (via a token-weighted vote) on a new team nickname, uniform designs, or an all-star game location. As a model, holders of Paris Saint-Germain’s $PSG fan token have voted on club kit designs and even goal celebration music. In MAL’s case, an expansion franchise could use fan voting to pick the team mascot or logo color. This “DAO-lite” approach in 2025–2026 will be mostly symbolic decisions, but it sets the stage for deeper DAO-style community governance. By 2029, MAL could establish a League Fan Council DAO, where a portion of league decisions (like minor rule changes or event formats) are put to vote among dedicated fans who stake APXCOIN® for voting rights. This deepens emotional investment; a fan who votes on the team jersey is far more likely to buy it.
5. NFT Collectibles & Digital Assets
Vision: Leverage NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on the APX/T4L3NT blockchain to create a vibrant digital collectible ecosystem around MAL. This opens new revenue streams and fan experiences, as proven by other sports leagues’ NFT successes.
Collectible Moments & Cards
Starting as early as 2025, MAL will mint NFT “trading cards” of its top players and highlight moment NFTs (e.g. a video clip of a championship-winning home run). Fans can purchase or earn these NFTs via APXCOIN®. Given MAL’s scale, the approach will be high-volume but low-cost collectibles (to maximize participation). For example, a set of digital baseball cards for each team each season could be sold in packs for a few APXCOIN® each. By 2027, MAL might partner with APX’s creative teams to release limited-edition NFTs designed by local artists. These could include, for example, an NFT of the year’s championship ring or a digital poster of all team mascots. Unlike static physical cards, these NFTs can be dynamic—updating stats in real-time as the season progresses, creating a living digital asset that changes with the player's performance.
Fig 6.2: Projected Growth of Digital & NFT Revenue Streams
YEAR-BY-YEAR STRATEGIC ROADMAP (2025–2029)
A Phased Approach to National Scale
To execute the above strategies in an organized way, APX Group and MAL will follow a phased roadmap. Each year has specific expansion milestones, APXCoin deployment phases, partnership initiatives, and financial targets. The following timeline outlines major objectives and actions from 2025 through 2029, tracking the journey from a regional experiment to a national sports powerhouse.
Fig 7.1: Franchise Expansion Targets by Year
2025 – Foundation & Pilot Year
📍 Franchises
MAL grows to 10 teams (from ~6 in 2024) with four new franchises launching in Texas and Kansas. APX Group’s investment secures 100% ownership of these new teams (Bryan, Beaumont, Nacogdoches, Ruston, Fort Scott) and a 10% stake in MAL’s league entity. These teams serve as APX’s proving ground for innovation.
⚡ APXCoin Integration
Pilot programs begin. Two or three APX-owned teams introduce APXCoin payments for tickets on a limited basis (e.g., season ticket holders invited to try NFT tickets). Stadiums in Beaumont and Bryan (with enthusiastic partner institutions) pilot APXCoin acceptance at one concession stand each to gather data on usage. Early NFT collectibles drop: a commemorative “MAL 2025 Champions” NFT is sold in the offseason to test fan interest.
📊 Operations & Financials
Season runs May–Aug 2025 with 10 teams. Attendance and community reception are closely monitored. Financial target: achieve positive EBITDA in first full year for the new 5-franchise group (~$277K EBITDA projected). League-wide, aim for ~$615K total income and ~$264K operating EBITDA with 10 teams. Investment: deploy the $5M raised to cover franchise setup, working capital, and tech infrastructure (including developing the MAL mobile app with wallet integration). This year is foundational – establishing stability in new franchises and getting initial buy-in for APXCoin initiatives from fans and stakeholders. The primary KPI is not just revenue, but "wallet adoption"—the number of unique fans who download and fund an APX wallet.
2026 – Expansion & APXCoin Rollout Scaling
📍 Franchises
Target 12-14 teams by spring 2026. Add ~2-4 new franchises: likely in Oklahoma and Louisiana (per strategic focus) and potentially one in Mississippi or Alabama. For example, Oklahoma City metro and Baton Rouge, LA could debut teams. If any 2025 pilot market underperformed, adjust (replace or relocate as needed). APX Group may co-own or fully own at least half of the new teams to maintain influence on APXCoin adoption.
⚡ APXCoin Integration
Move from pilot to league-wide adoption of key features. By Opening Day 2026, all teams offer digital ticketing options, with at least 50% of tickets across the league sold as NFT tickets or via the APXCoin platform. APXCoin payments at concessions roll out to every stadium, after smoothing technical kinks from 2025 pilots. Launch a formal MAL Fan Rewards loyalty program (fans earn APXCoin rewards for attending games, etc.). This year also introduces player APXCoin NIL payments for those willing – anticipate dozens of players choosing crypto stipends.
📊 Operations & Financials
The league’s revenue grows with new teams and higher per-fan spend. Forecast: ~14 teams should yield ~$850K+ league income. Attendance is expected to rise as new markets come online and existing teams benefit from novelty and loyalty programs. Revenue target for the consolidated APX-owned franchises: in the $3.2M–3.5M range with a healthy EBITDA over $800K by end of 2026. APX’s investment focus this year is on technology scaling – enhancing the digital platform, adding blockchain capacity for more transactions, and security audits. The growth in EBITDA is driven by the maturation of local sponsorships and the first full year of non-baseball event revenue.
2027 – Acceleration & Innovation Year
📍 Franchises
Aim for 18 teams for the 2027 season. New franchises likely placed in the remaining target states (e.g., adding one each in Alabama, New Mexico, Colorado, plus possibly a second team in an existing state to balance divisions). MAL also explores its first international team around this time. If logistics allow, a Canadian franchise in Ottawa (or similar market) is introduced in 2027 as team #17 or #18.
⚡ APXCoin Integration
With all basics in place, 2027 focuses on innovative enhancements. Introduce tokenized community ownership trials: one of the new franchises (or possibly an existing APX-owned team) is chosen to launch the community token ownership program. APX Group will mint fractional ownership NFTs or tokens for that team and sell them to local fans, generating capital and publicity. Also, deploy more advanced smart contract systems – e.g., automate player bonus payments in APXCoin via performance triggers on-chain, and implement smart ticket resale (so when a fan resells a ticket NFT, a programmed royalty goes to the team).
📊 Operations & Financials
With 18 teams and numerous new revenue streams, MAL’s financial growth is robust. League operating EBITDA could approach ~$750K, and including expansion fees, total league profit might top $1.35M. The consolidated APX-owned portfolio (which by now could be 8–10 teams under APX Group management) is projected to exceed $1M EBITDA. Crucially, APXCoin’s economic impact becomes quantifiable: e.g., X% of all ticket sales now flow through APXCoin, Y million tokens circulate among fans, etc. This is the year where the "DeFiFi" model truly pays off, as the token economy begins to generate significant secondary market volume.
2028 – International & Consolidation Year
📍 Franchises
MAL reaches 20–24 teams by 2028. This likely includes at least one international franchise operational – for instance, a team in Ottawa debuts in 2028 if not in 2027, plus possibly a team in northern Mexico or a Caribbean U.S. territory (like Puerto Rico’s San Juan) if feasible. The domestic expansion may slow as the league nears saturation of its targeted regions; 2028 is more about solidifying the footprint and ensuring all franchises are stable.
⚡ APXCoin Integration
Now essentially fully integrated, attention turns to optimization and resilience. The APXCoin platform is updated for scale, capable of handling tens of thousands of micropayments on game days. MAL could introduce dynamic pricing smart contracts: ticket prices that adjust in APXCoin based on demand algorithms, all settled on-chain. This year also likely sees the first APXCoin integration with broadcasting/streaming: for example, fans watching a live stream of games can tip their favorite players in APXCoin or pay small amounts to unlock interactive camera angles, etc.
📊 Operations & Financials
The league is approaching maturity with ~24+ teams. The financial projections in earlier plans showed about $1.1M league EBITDA at 24 teams, so at ~24 teams we estimate on the order of $900K EBITDA at the league office. Franchise-level revenues have grown with market size; many teams by now likely surpass $500K in annual revenue individually. The international teams bring new revenue streams (international sponsors, TV deals in their markets). MAL might set a revenue target around $8–10 million consolidated for all APX-owned franchises and >$1M annual profit for that group. The focus shifts from growth at all costs to maximizing free cash flow and dividends to investors.
2029 – League Maturity and Vision Realized
📍 Franchises
The Mid America League celebrates the achievement of 30 teams (or close) by the 2029 season, fulfilling its long-term expansion goal. The league now spans numerous states and includes cross-border franchises, truly living up to “Mid America” in a broad sense. In 2029, expansion pauses to focus on quality – the priority is ensuring every franchise is sustainable and integrated into the APXCoin ecosystem. MAL may introduce a formalized promotion/relegation or affiliation system with smaller collegiate leagues as a next vision, but that is beyond this five-year scope.
⚡ APXCoin in Full Bloom
APXCoin is now the standard currency of MAL. The majority of ticket sales (perhaps 60%+) occur via APXCoin or the MAL wallet, all concessions accept it widely (with many stadiums reporting a significant share of purchases in crypto), and sponsors routinely transact in APXCoin. The volatility of the token is mitigated by its broad utility – APXCoin’s value is now tied to a growing network of entertainment services and possibly partly backed by APX Group assets, which has helped stabilize it. New APXCoin-driven features might launch in 2029, such as a sports betting or fantasy game element (if regulations allow).
📊 Operations & Financials
The five-year journey culminates in strong financial performance. With 30 teams, earlier projections foresaw ~$1.46M league revenue and ~$1.10M league EBITDA (not including expansion fees). By 2029, those numbers may even be exceeded if APXCoin initiatives created new income streams (NFTs, increased sponsorship, etc.). We can project league operating income potentially in the $1.5M–2M range, given the additional crypto-related revenues. The franchises collectively (30 teams) could be generating on the order of $12–15M in total revenue (averaging perhaps $0.5M each, with the stronger teams above $1M). The JV is now a mature cash cow, potentially ripe for a public listing or acquisition by a major sports conglomerate.
Fig 7.2: Geographic Footprint and International Reach (2029)
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
A Track Record of Success
The success of this strategic plan is underpinned by the critical role of its leadership. The venture is guided by a team of founders and executives with over 200 collective years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry. This team possesses a documented track record of turning sports franchises into profitable, community-integrated enterprises, developing award-winning facilities, and generating substantial returns. They are not merely baseball operators; they are seasoned entertainment executives who understand that the product is not just the game, but the entire fan experience.
Mark Schuster (Founder & CEO)
Mark Schuster brings a career in sports management spanning over 36 years. His accolades include the prestigious Larry MacPhail Trophy (1999), awarded to the top promoter in Minor League Baseball, and being named the South Atlantic League Executive of the Year. These awards are not just resume-fillers; they signal a deep understanding of how to put bodies in seats through creative, relentless promotion. His leadership journey includes:
- Durham Bulls (1989): Director of Food & Beverage during the "Bull Durham" era, managing operations for one of the most famous teams in the world.
- Burlington Indians: Became one of the youngest GMs in baseball history, proving his operational chops at a remarkably young age.
- Minnesota Twins (Fort Myers): VP/GM overseeing Spring Training operations, managing complex logistics for a major league organization.
- Charleston RiverDogs: VP/GM responsible for the construction of the $19MM "Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park," establishing the standard for modern minor league venues.
Critically, he has a documented history of financial turnarounds, taking Metropolitan Sports from a $7MM annual loss to a $1.8MM profit in just 18 months. This turnaround expertise is vital for the acquisition strategy, where we will be taking over or launching teams in markets that require immediate operational discipline.
Ventura Sports Group: Major Event Capability
Beyond baseball, the leadership team includes industry veterans like Lester Bedford, renowned for his ground-breaking work in live gate events over the past 40 years. This expertise directly supports the Joint Venture's strategy to monetize stadiums year-round.
- Managed over 600 Professional Boxing and MMA events, demonstrating an ability to handle high-stress, high-stakes logistics.
- Produced 47 of Texas' 50 highest-grossing boxing events in history, a testament to his marketing prowess in the core geography of our expansion.
- Organized 6 of the 7 largest attended boxing events in the U.S. in the last 40 years, including events with 50,000+ attendance at venues like the Alamodome and Cowboys Stadium.
- This "Event Engine" capability ensures that MAL stadiums can generate revenue from concerts and combat sports outside the baseball season, transforming them from seasonal liabilities into year-round assets.
League Management Team
The league's operational and revenue-generating capabilities are managed by a team of seasoned executives. The League Management team, led by President Nick Weisenborn and COO Jeremy Aagard, brings deep expertise in athletic fundraising, ticket sales, sponsorship, and team operations. Mr. Aagard has over two decades of experience in summer collegiate baseball, notably setting sponsorship and concession records with the Rochester Honkers (Northwoods League). Mr. Weisenborn brings experience from the Frontier League, Kansas City Royals, and college athletics fundraising. This operational depth ensures that the day-to-day execution of the league's strategy is in capable hands.
Board of Advisors
The venture is supported by a diverse and accomplished group of co-owners and advisors. The ownership group includes Tim Woodland, an expert in risk management and technology from the energy sector; Dany Chenail, an entrepreneur who built and sold major distribution and cold storage businesses before amassing a real estate portfolio valued at over $125 million; and George Lessmeister, the founder and CEO of a national hospitality staffing firm with offices in over 40 cities. Strategic guidance is provided by a Board of Advisors featuring industry leaders like Alfred White (former executive with the NCAA and College Football Playoff) and Matt LaBranche (20-year veteran of professional sports with WME/IMG and the Texas Rangers). This advisory board provides the strategic oversight and connections necessary to navigate complex municipal partnerships and corporate sponsorships.
Fig 8.1: Cumulative Leadership Experience (Years)
Fig 8.2: Historic Attendance Managed by Leadership Team
FINANCIAL STRATEGY & UNIT ECONOMICS
Franchise Unit Economics: Granular Breakdown
Our financial projections are built on a highly granular analysis of franchise-level operations. By leveraging a centralized management model, we can project revenues and expenses with a high degree of confidence. The following breakdown illustrates the unit economics for a typical franchise within our portfolio for the 2026 season, as detailed in our internal "Business of Baseball" overview. These figures are conservative estimates based on historical data from similar markets, providing a realistic baseline for performance.
Franchise Revenue Drivers (Consolidated 12-Team Model Basis)
| Revenue Category | Total (All Franchises) | Avg Per Team | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractually Obligated Income | $1,759,000 | ~$146,583 | Stable income from season ticket packages and multi-year corporate sponsorships. This creates a "revenue floor" before a single game is played. |
| Game Day Revenue | $1,697,400 | ~$141,450 | Variable income from single-game tickets, concessions (food/beer), and merchandise. This is driven by attendance and per-cap spend (~$12-15 per head). |
| Non-Baseball Events | $0 (2026) | $0 | Projected to grow significantly in future years via concerts/festivals. We conservatively model $0 for Year 1 to account for ramp-up time. |
Franchise Expense Structure (Consolidated)
| Expense Category | Total Cost | Avg Per Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Expenses | $774,050 | ~$64,504 | Includes player travel (bus/hotel), equipment, and uniforms. Optimized via centralized league-wide purchasing contracts. |
| General & Administrative | $545,471 | ~$45,456 | Insurance, office supplies, and business operations. Kept lean through shared services at the JV level. |
| Payroll | $454,875 | ~$37,906 | Front-office staff salaries (GM, Sales). *Note: Zero player salary cost.* This is the key differentiator of our model. |
Consolidated Forecast (5 Franchises)
5-Franchise Portfolio P&L (USD)
| Financial Metric | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $3,285,462 | $3,942,008 | $4,296,609 | $4,559,109 |
| Total Expenses | $2,427,976 | $2,476,535 | $2,526,066 | $2,576,587 |
| EBITDA | $277,006 | $826,945 | $1,100,088 | $1,312,067 |
| EBITDA Margin % | 8.4% | 21.0% | 25.6% | 28.8% |
| Less: D&A (Franchise Fees) | ($116,667) | ($116,667) | ($116,667) | ($116,667) |
| EBT (Earnings Before Tax) | $160,339 | $710,278 | $983,421 | $1,195,400 |
| Net Income | $120,254 | $532,709 | $737,566 | $896,550 |
| Free Cash Flow (to JV) | $186,921 | $599,375 | $804,233 | $963,217 |
Fig 9.1: Consolidated Portfolio EBITDA Projections
League-Level EBITDA Scalability
Our 10% equity stake in the league provides a secondary and highly scalable source of value. As the league expands, its profitability increases exponentially due to fixed central costs versus growing dues and sponsorship revenue. The league's operating budget demonstrates this scalability, projecting that as the league grows, its profitability increases exponentially. League Operating EBITDA is projected to grow from $263,950 with 10 teams to $1,101,318 with 24 teams, illustrating the significant long-term value accretion of the equity investment. This "double-dip" revenue structure—profiting from both franchise operations and league expansion—is a key feature of the Joint Venture's investment thesis.
Fig 9.2: League-Level EBITDA Scaling with Expansion
STRATEGIC MARKETING & PR PLAN
Building a "Phygital" Global Sports Brand
The marketing and communications strategy for the APX National Sports Group (2025–2029) is designed to execute a complex dual mandate: driving hyper-local attendance in mid-sized American markets while simultaneously building a global, digital-native brand for the APXCoin ecosystem. We are not merely selling baseball tickets; we are onboarding the mass market to Web3 through the universal language of sports. This requires a departure from traditional minor league marketing (billboards and radio spots) toward a "content-first" ecosystem where every player is an influencer, every game is a broadcast event, and every fan interaction is a transaction on the blockchain. Our approach recognizes that the "product" exists in two places simultaneously: the physical stadium in Beaumont or Ruston, and the digital wallet of a token holder in Tokyo or London.
The Core Narrative: "The Future of Sports is Decentralized"
Our Public Relations strategy centers on a controlling narrative that positions the Mid America League not as a "competitor" to the MLB, but as the "R&D Lab" for the future of sports consumption. This positioning shields us from direct comparison with major leagues while attracting a different class of investor and fan.
The story is about "The Return of the Community." We highlight how the DAO-lite model gives power back to fans who feel alienated by the corporate sterility of major league sports. We focus on the "purity" of the game, the NIL opportunities for hungry college athletes, and the revitalization of historic ballparks in heartland America.
The story is "Real World Utility." We position MAL as the definitive case study for crypto mass adoption. We move the conversation away from speculative trading and toward functional utility: buying hot dogs, voting on jerseys, and tipping players instantly.
The "NIL Influencer Army" Strategy
Traditional marketing budgets are inefficient. Instead of spending heavily on paid ads, we leverage our unique asset: the players. Under the APX/MAL model, every player is a paid content creator. This turns our biggest cost center (player compensation) into a marketing engine.
As part of their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements, players are incentivized to document their journey. A roster of 30 players across 10 teams gives us 300 native influencers. If each has a modest following of 2,000 people, we have an immediate, organic reach of 600,000 highly engaged sports fans.
We will implement a specialized bounty system via the APXCoin app. Players receive APXCoin bonuses for hitting engagement targets on social media. This turns our roster into a motivated, 24/7 marketing agency that costs a fraction of a traditional firm, generating authentic content reminiscent of "Welcome to Wrexham" but in real-time.
Fig 9.3: Shift from Traditional Ad Buy to Creator Economy & Community Rewards
Target Audience Segmentation
The "Baseball Purist"
Boomers / Gen X
Location: Local markets (e.g., Fort Scott, Nacogdoches).
Messaging: Affordable family fun, respect for tradition, "baseball the way it used to be."
Channel: Local radio, newspaper partnerships, Facebook community groups.
Goal: Season tickets and physical concessions.
The "Digital Native"
Gen Z / Alpha
Location: Global distribution.
Messaging: Highlights, player personalities, meme culture, fast-paced content.
Channel: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts.
Goal: Merchandise sales, streaming views, following players on social.
The "Crypto-Curious"
Millennials / Gen Z
Location: Online / International.
Messaging: Utility of APXCoin, DAO voting rights, NFT collectibility, "owning" a piece of the league.
Channel: X (Twitter), Discord, Reddit, Telegram.
Goal: APXCoin acquisition, NFT trading, DAO participation.
Tactical Roadmap: The 5-Year Campaign
2025: "The Rebirth"
Hyper-Local Focus
Objective: Establish deep roots in the 5 inaugural markets. Proof of Concept.
Tactics: "Town Hall" meetings in every city to introduce the owners. Launch the "Founding Fan" NFT series (giving lifetime perks). Heavy reliance on local partnerships (Little League sponsorships, Chamber of Commerce mixers). The PR narrative focuses entirely on "saving baseball in our town," building a reservoir of goodwill.
2026: "The Awakening"
Regional Rivalries & Tech Pilot
Objective: Validate the tech stack and create viral moments.
Tactics: Introduction of the "Civil War" cup (e.g., Texas vs. Kansas series) to drive travel. Launch of the "My First Wallet" campaign: stadium staff helping older fans set up APX wallets in exchange for a free beer. We will commission a documentary crew to film the season, pitching the pilot to streaming platforms as a "Hard Knocks" for minor league baseball.
2027: "The Movement"
National & DAO Expansion
Objective: National brand recognition and deep crypto integration.
Tactics: The first "DAO Draft Pick"—allowing token holders to vote on a roster spot or exhibition game lineup. This is a PR stunt designed for global virality. We launch the APX National Streaming Network, a direct-to-consumer app where micropayments (in APX) allow fans to change camera angles or access player audio feeds.
2028-2029: "The Standard"
Global Scale
Objective: International expansion and media rights monetization.
Tactics: Exhibition games in Mexico or Canada to broaden the footprint. Monetization of the documentary series (now in Season 3). The league begins licensing its "Crypto-Sports-in-a-Box" tech stack to other minor leagues (soccer, basketball), positioning APX Group as a B2B technology provider, not just a league operator.
Crisis Communication & Reputation
We anticipate skepticism regarding the crypto components of the league ("Is this a scam?", "What about volatility?"). Our communication plan includes a proactive "Radical Transparency" protocol to address these concerns head-on.
1. The "Stable-Price" Guarantee: For local fans, we market prices in USD, with the crypto conversion happening on the backend. A hot dog is always $5.00. We insulate the local fan from market volatility.
2. Educational Content: A dedicated "APX Academy" section on the website and app, offering simple, jargon-free video tutorials on how the blockchain protects their ticket ownership.
3. Community Governance: We will establish a "Fan Council" in each city. If the Council says "too much crypto," we dial back the messaging while keeping the infrastructure. We listen first.
Budget Allocation Strategy
Unlike traditional leagues that spend 60-70% of marketing funds on outbound advertising, the APX National Sports Group will invert this model to maximize organic reach:
- 35% Community Rewards: Direct incentives for fans who attend games, refer friends, or create content.
- 30% Content Production: Salaries for videographers/editors attached to each team. Video is our currency.
- 20% NIL Influencer Bonuses: Payments to players for hitting social media KPIs.
- 10% Traditional Local Ads: Targeted spending only for opening day and playoffs.
- 5% PR & Media Relations: Retainer for a national agency to secure Tier-1 placements.
Fig 9.4: Projected Fan Acquisition Channels (Traditional vs. Digital)
RISK MANAGEMENT
Proactive Mitigation Strategies
Implementing this ambitious plan – combining rapid expansion with cutting-edge crypto integration – entails a range of risks. APX Group and MAL will proactively manage these risks across regulatory, operational, and market domains to ensure the strategy’s success. Below we identify key risks and mitigation strategies:
Regulatory & Compliance Risks
Cryptocurrency Regulation: The regulatory environment for crypto and tokens is evolving. There is a risk that APXCoin (especially as it gains widespread use) could draw scrutiny from financial regulators. If deemed a security or payment instrument under certain laws, usage could face restrictions or require licensing.
Mitigation: APX Group will ensure APXCoin’s design remains a utility token (anchored to real transactions and value, not just speculation) and will engage legal counsel in every jurisdiction MAL operates. Compliance measures include KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols in the MAL app for large APXCoin purchases and adhering to tax reporting for crypto transactions. Also, MAL will develop guidelines so that NIL in APXCoin is optional – players can opt for fiat if they or their advisors are uncomfortable, ensuring no one is forced into a situation that might threaten eligibility.
Fig 10.1: Risk Probability Profile
Operational & Technology Risks
Technology & Security: Relying on blockchain and digital platforms introduces tech risks – system outages, hacks, or user errors. A wallet breach could result in stolen tokens or NFTs, damaging trust. A failure in the ticketing system on game day could hurt attendance and revenue.
Mitigation: Invest heavily in cybersecurity and platform resilience. APX’s blockchain (T4L3NT Net) will be rigorously tested for vulnerabilities; consider third-party audits and bounty programs. Critical systems (ticketing, payments) should have redundancies and offline backup options – e.g., if the crypto payment network is down, stadiums can revert to traditional ticket lists or accept cash/credit so fans aren’t locked out. Provide on-site support at games: “APXCoin help desks” or staff roving to assist fans in setting up wallets on their phones.
Market & Financial Risks
Crypto Market Volatility: APXCoin’s value in open markets could fluctuate, which has several implications: fans might hold off spending if they think it’ll rise (or rush to cash out if they fear a drop), and the accounting of revenues becomes tricky if token values swing.
Mitigation: Consider stabilizing mechanisms – for example, peg ticket and concession prices in USD and only use APXCoin as a medium, so the fan’s app always shows “this hot dog = $5 = X APXCoin at current rate,” insulating the experience from volatility. APX Group can also maintain a reserve fund to back APXCoin’s value. Diversify revenue streams (which this plan does, by adding digital revenue sources like NFTs and expanding to more markets to spread risk).
Fig 10.2: Strategic Impact of Potential Risks
THE FAN'S PERSPECTIVE: A NEW ERA
Power to the Fans
Our entire strategic plan is built around a single, powerful idea: transforming fans from passive spectators into active, empowered participants. This new model of fan engagement is inspired by a concept from the digital world called a DAO, or Decentralized Autonomous Organization. In simple terms, it means giving the community of token-holders real, transparent voting power on certain league decisions, all recorded securely on the blockchain. This moves beyond simple fan polls to create a true fan democracy where the community has a real stake in its teams and a real voice in league decisions.
Traditional Fan Role
The traditional role of a sports fan is primarily transactional and passive. You buy tickets, purchase merchandise, and watch the games from the stands. Your influence is limited to your consumer choices.
The New MAL Fan Role
The new role of a fan in the MAL is participatory and influential. As a token-holder, you can vote on key decisions like the All-Star Game location or even minor rule changes. More importantly, you have the opportunity to become a part-owner of your local team, a model proven by iconic franchises like the Green Bay Packers and pioneered in the digital age by Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league.
Fig 11.1: Shift from Passive Consumer to Active Token Holder
The Grand Slam: Success in 2029
By the end of this five-year journey, our vision will be fully realized. Success in 2029 is a thriving, international baseball league of 30 or more teams, each one a pillar of its community. It is a seamless fan experience where APXCoin is effortlessly used for everything from buying a hot dog to collecting a digital memory of a championship-winning home run. Most importantly, it is a revolutionary model where communities are no longer just fans—they are true partners and owners in their hometown teams. The Mid America League will not just be another place to watch baseball; it will be the benchmark for the future of sports.
Fig 11.2: Growth of Community-Owned Franchises
INVESTOR DUE DILIGENCE MATERIALS
Study Guide & Key Concepts
To assist potential investors in understanding the nuances of the "Hybrid-Model Pro/Amateur" structure and the APXCoin integration, we have compiled the following key concepts and Q&A from our briefing materials.
Positions the league between affiliated Minor League Baseball and purely amateur collegiate leagues. It allows for a mix of top college players, undrafted prospects, and former MiLB athletes.
A "game-changing concept" allowing college players to be compensated via sponsorships while retaining amateur status. This eliminates direct player salaries and workers' comp expenses for the league.
Grow from a 2024 base of 6-10 teams to ~30 franchises by 2029. Domestic focus: South, Midwest, Mountain West. International: Canada and Mexico.
To be the "lifeblood" of the fan experience: NFT ticketing, concession payments, loyalty rewards, and fan voting.
Counters single-team inefficiencies by owning a multi-franchise portfolio to achieve economies of scale and centralized management.
Fig 12.1: Key Concept Understanding Score
Critical Essay Questions for Review
Analyze the synergies between MAL's operational model and APX's tech capabilities. (Focus: How the Joint Venture leverages "business-in-a-box" ops with "high-octane" capital/tech to create value greater than the sum of parts.)
Evaluate the comprehensiveness of mitigation strategies for crypto regulation and market volatility. (Focus: Determining if the "utility token" structure and USD-pegged pricing are sufficient safeguards.)
Compare APX Multi-Franchise Ownership vs. Community/DAO Ownership. (Focus: Discussing how direct ownership accelerates adoption versus how community ownership deepens loyalty.)
Fig 12.2: Investor Funnel Conversion Metrics
CONCLUSION & GLOSSARY
The 5-Year Vision: A Win-Win-Win
By executing this comprehensive 2025–2029 strategy, APX Group and the Mid America League will create a thriving, modern sports ecosystem that marries community-based baseball with cutting-edge blockchain technology. The MAL will expand into a powerhouse of 30+ teams across underserved markets, delivering affordable family entertainment and opportunities for college athletes. Simultaneously, APXCoin will evolve from a novel concept into the financial backbone of the league, touching every transaction and interaction – a living demonstration of Web3’s potential in sports.
In five years, APX Group’s involvement will have transformed the Mid America League from a fledgling concept into a sustainable, expanding enterprise at the forefront of the sports-tech revolution. It represents a powerful alignment of incentives: what’s good for fans and players is good for the league and also fuels APXCoin’s ecosystem value.
Fig 13.1: Milestones to National Prominence
Strategic Implications: A Blueprint for the Future
The success of the APX National Sports Group will serve as a definitive proof-of-concept for the decentralization of sports ownership. By demonstrating that a league can be profitable, scalable, and community-centric without relying on the traditional billionaire-owner model, we challenge the status quo of the entire industry. This model provides a replicable blueprint that can be exported to other sports verticals—minor league soccer, basketball, and even e-sports—positioning APX Group not just as a participant, but as the architect of the next generation of sports infrastructure.
The Real Estate Flywheel
The integration of real estate development into the core strategy creates a tangible asset base that insulates the venture from the inherent volatility of digital markets. By anchoring the digital economy of APXCOIN® to physical mixed-use developments in growing mid-sized American cities, we create a "flywheel effect": the success of the team drives foot traffic to the district, increasing real estate value, which in turn strengthens the team's financial foundation. This symbiosis between the digital token and the physical brick-and-mortar asset is the "Holy Grail" of modern Web3 utility.
Reclaiming the Soul of Community Sports
Ultimately, this venture is about more than baseball; it is about reclaiming the soul of community sports. In an era where major league sports have priced out the average family and distanced themselves from their roots, the Mid America League offers a return to intimacy, accessibility, and genuine connection. By empowering fans with voting rights and financial upside, we are not just building a customer base; we are building a constituency. This deep emotional investment is the most durable competitive moat available, ensuring that the APX National Sports Group remains resilient, relevant, and profitable for decades to come.
Glossary of Key Terms
| APX Group | A global diversified media and holding company with interests in entertainment, decentralized finance (APXCoin), and strategic marketing. Proposed a 50/50 joint venture with MALIG. |
| APXCoin | APX Group’s blockchain-based utility token, minted on T4L3NT blockchain. The strategic plan aims to integrate it as the core transactional and engagement medium for the Mid America League. |
| DAO | Decentralized Autonomous Organization. A model where stakeholders use tokens to participate in ownership and governance decisions. The MAL plan proposes a "DAO-lite" approach for fan voting and potential community ownership of teams. |
| EBITDA | An acronym for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It is used as a financial metric to measure the core operational profitability of a business. |
| Hybrid-Model Pro/Amateur | The unique strategic positioning of the Mid America League, which features a mix of compensated college players (via NIL), undrafted players, and former minor league athletes, bridging the gap between purely amateur and fully professional leagues. |
| Joint Venture (JV) Entity | The proposed new Delaware LLC to be formed by APX Group and MALIG, owned 50/50 by each party. It would hold all assets of the five inaugural franchises and the 10% league equity stake. |
| Mid America League (MAL or MALB) | An independent summer baseball league launched in 2024. It operates on a cost-efficient model using the NIL program to attract elite college talent to underserved small and mid-sized markets. |
| Mid America League Investment Group (MALIG) | The investment group, led by Mark Schuster, formed to acquire five new MAL franchises and a 10% equity stake in the league. It is the counterparty to APX Group's joint venture proposal. |
| Mixed-Use Development | A real estate strategy involving the development of commercial, residential, and entertainment properties adjacent to sports venues to create year-round revenue streams. |
| NFT (Non-Fungible Token) | A unique digital asset recorded on a blockchain. The strategic plan proposes using NFTs for ticketing, digital collectibles (e.g., player cards, highlight moments), and fractional team ownership. |
| NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) | A program that allows amateur college athletes to be compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness through activities like sponsorships and public appearances, without jeopardizing their eligibility. It is a cornerstone of the MAL's player model. |
| Portfolio Advantage | The core investment thesis of MALIG, which argues that owning a portfolio of multiple franchises allows for economies of scale, centralized management, and enhanced revenue opportunities not available to single-team owners. |
| Ventura Sports Group (VSG) | The sports management company founded by Mark Schuster, which launched the Mid America League in 2024. It has extensive experience in franchise operations, stadium development, and financial turnarounds. |
Fig 13.2: Final Fan Base Composition (2029)