Better Collective will elect a new chair in the coming weeks, after the Denmark-based digital sports media group and gambling affiliate announced on Monday that Jens Bager will step down from the role.
The company confirmed in a release on March 2 that Bager will not seek re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting and will therefore step down as chair of the board of directors and as a member of the board. Bager has been on the Better Collective board since 2016 and has been in the chair’s seat since 2017.
Better Collective Jesper Søgaard said that Bager has been “instrumental” in the growth and strategic direction of the firm.
“From the early days of preparing for our IPO to navigating international expansion and building a professional governance framework, his guidance has been invaluable,” added Søgaard. “On a personal level, Jens has been much more than a Chair. He has been a trusted mentor and advisor who has challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow as a leader. I am deeply grateful for his commitment, integrity, and unwavering belief in our vision.”
9 years in the Better Collective hotseat
The company said that during Bager’s tenure, Better Collective transformed into a global sports and media firm, achieved substantial growth across numerous markets and built a scalable platform for long-term value creation. Better Collective’s house of brands includes Action Network, Playmaker HQ, The Nation Network and Bolavip.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of Better Collective since 2017 and to witness the company’s remarkable transformation,” said Bager. “Together with the founders, the board and the organization, we have built a scalable, international business grounded in strong values and disciplined execution.
“I am proud of what we have achieved, from the IPO to the international expansion and continued professionalization of the company. After nearly a decade as chair, I believe this is the right time to pass the baton. Better Collective stands on a solid foundation with a clear strategy and strong leadership, and I am confident that Better Collective is well-positioned for its next phase of development under new board leadership.”
Though his successor has not yet been confirmed, the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee has proposed that Thomas Plenborg, who joined as a member of the board last year, should be elected as new chair after the AGM on March 24. Plenborg is the former chair of Danish-headquartered global transport and logistics group DSV.
Bager’s impending exit will be the latest major leadership change for the company. Last May, a company restructuring resulted in Co-Founder and former Chief Operating Officer Christian Kirk Rasmussen becoming Søgaard’s co-CEO, before North America CEO Marc Pedersen stepped down from his role last summer.
That came after the company significantly downsized in North America in late 2024, laying off more than 300 employees in a tough environment for North American gambling affiliates.
BC reports highest-ever EBITDA despite revenue drop
The news of the impending change of chair comes days after Better Collective leadership reported a slight 2% year-over-year decrease in Q4 revenue, as well as a 9% decrease in revenue for the full 202 calendar year.
However, the company vaunted what it said was its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA before special items, at €37m (approximately $43m).
Søgaard said that the results to end 2025 demonstrated the resilience and scalability of the business model that Better Collective has leaned into with Bager as chair.
