Sportradar seals global data deal with MLB
Sportradar has moved to enhance its relationship with Major League Baseball (MLB) to become the organisation’s official global data partner.
Starting with the 2019 season, which begins on March 20, the multi-year agreement will enable sports data solutions provider Sportradar to distribute MLB’s real time game statistics around the world.
Across international markets outside the US, Sportradar will have the exclusive distribution rights for MLB real time game statistics, collected via the league’s proprietary technology and stat operators. Sportradar will be able to provide this data to media companies and regulated sports betting operators.
The deal also covers the exclusive distribution of live, industry-standard audio-visual game feeds to gambling operators outside the US in regions where sports betting is legal. Sportradar already holds the right to distribute the league's AV data to betting partners through a deal struck around 2016.
In terms of the US, Sportradar will hold the same exclusive rights for official real time statistics distribution to media entities to support their own coverage of the league.
Sportradar will also serve as the official supplier of MLB’s real time betting data feed in the US. However, distribution to sports wagering operators will be on a non-exclusive basis, through both Sportradar and other authorised partners.
In addition, the deal sets out plans for Sportradar to work with MLB to develop and distribute new products to further engage fans and drive additional interest in baseball.
“A high-quality, reliable, and fast official data feed is the building block to creating engaging gaming products for MLB fans,” MLB executive vice-president of gaming and new business ventures, Kenny Gersh, said.
“Sportradar, a proven industry leader in data distribution, is perfectly positioned to help MLB deliver an exceptional official MLB betting feed.”
As part of the expanded relationship, MLB will incorporate Sportradar’s Integrity Services into its existing integrity protection measures. Sportradar will monitor and analyse all MLB games via its fraud detection system and provide MLB with educational components, as well as access to its intelligence and investigations services
Sportradar CEO, Carsten Koerl, said: “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for Sportradar, but ultimately it opens up new doors for MLB fans who have historically shown a proclivity for sophisticated data.
“We look forward to utilising our vast global experience as the global leader in the data, AV, and integrity spaces to give fans and partners an unmatched experience.”
Image: Max Pixel