International Dance League raises $15M after sold out inaugural season

International Dance League (IDL) raised $15 million after selling out its inaugural season, according to the league. IDL positions dance as a new category for sports investment, attracting backers seeking growth less exposed to AI-driven disruption. In its first season, the league signed a media rights agreement with ESPN2 and partnered with brands including Honda and E.l.f. Cosmetics. The season featured six founding teams competing in New York, Vancouver, Sydney and Seoul, before ending with a weekend in Los Angeles that included the final regular showdown and the championship event. IDL says the season generated 2 billion social views and 6 million livestream views. The Series A was led by Elysian Park Ventures, with new investors including Sony, Yamaha Music Innovation Fund and October Ventures.