Issuers Filed Applications for Sports Team ETFs
Four investment firms have filed to launch over 400 ETFs tracking individual professional sports teams.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Investing
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Four ETF issuers have submitted applications to launch a massive series of 402 exchange-traded funds designed to track individual professional sports teams. These proposed funds aim to provide investors with exposure to specific franchises across the NHL, MLB, and NBA.
Why it matters
The proposed funds seek to expand the reach of the ETF market by allowing investors to track the financial performance of individual sports organizations. Issuers intend to create families of products that cover entire leagues, utilizing specialized performance indices.
The filings encompass 402 distinct funds, including 2x leveraged versions that rely on Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures contracts. The index coverage spans 32 NHL teams as well as 30 teams each in the MLB and NBA.
The players
SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission is the primary federal regulatory agency tasked with protecting investors and maintaining fair markets in the United States.
Roundhill Investments
This investment firm is one of the four issuers that filed applications to launch the new sports-focused exchange-traded funds.
FutureSports Performance Indices
This company is the developer of the proprietary indices used to track the performance of the sports teams included in the proposed ETFs.
The details
FutureSports Performance Indices created the tracking indices for these products and secured exclusive deals with the NHL and MLB for official data. Backers of this index firm include the owners of the Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers, who are positioning these products to tap into the market for sports-focused financial vehicles.
Timeline
During the summer of 2026, the SEC requested public comments regarding novel ETF proposals.
On October 6, 2026, the Financial Times reported on the new ETF filings.
Market Dynamics
These filings represent a significant expansion of the thematic ETF market, following the SEC's 2026 request for public comment on novel ETF proposals. This move follows a period where the regulator has sought to scrutinize the risks associated with non-traditional investment structures.
Retail investors should note that the proposed funds include 2x leveraged products, which carry significantly higher risk than standard index-tracking ETFs. Approval remains uncertain, and potential investors must wait to see if these vehicles clear regulatory hurdles.
The takeaway
These filings reflect a broader effort to financialize the performance of individual professional sports franchises for retail investors. Prospective investors should carefully evaluate the risks inherent in leveraged futures-based products before considering them for their portfolios.
Further reading
For more on how new investment vehicles are shaping the industry, visit the Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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