Major League Baseball and Sportradar Announce Expanded, Exclusive Partnership Through 2032
February 07 2025 - 8:00AM
Major League Baseball (MLB) and Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD)
today announced a long-term extension and expansion of their
decade-long partnership, set to begin with the 2025 season, aimed
at unlocking the full potential of MLB’s data and audiovisual (AV)
content while growing America’s pastime worldwide. As part of the
agreement, MLB has acquired an equity stake in Sportradar, further
solidifying the partnership between the two organizations and
supporting future growth opportunities.
Under the new terms, Sportradar, in partnership
with MLB, will exclusively distribute MLB’s ultra-low latency
official data, media content, including MLB Statcast Data, and AV
content across its global client network, which spans 800
sportsbook clients and 900 media companies. The continued, growing
popularity of baseball in markets like Latin America and Asia,
combined with the increasing legalization of sports betting,
creates an opportunity for expanded utilization of MLB content and
data.
To ensure the integrity of the sport, Sportradar
will continue to provide best-in-class integrity services,
including Sportradar’s Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) to
monitor global betting activity, as well as offer investigative and
educational support to MLB.
Additionally, Sportradar and MLB will
collaborate on the creation of AI-driven products powered by player
tracking data to create immersive, hyper-personalized fan
experiences.
In consideration of the rights and benefits
granted under the arrangement, Sportradar will pay the applicable
annual license fees and MLB will be issued up to an aggregate of
1,855,724 Class A ordinary shares during the term, subject to
customary terms, conditions and adjustments.
Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice
President, Media & Business Development, said:
“Sportradar has been a great partner to MLB, particularly helping
us navigate the legalization and continued evolution of the global
sports betting landscape. Over the course of our partnership,
Sportradar has consistently developed great products utilizing
MLB’s best-in-class data. MLB is delighted to continue innovating
with Sportradar to create engaging products and services for MLB
fans globally.”
Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer,
Sportradar, said: “We are thrilled to continue our
long-standing partnership with MLB, and this agreement represents a
new, exciting chapter in our journey together. Our collaboration is
not only about leveraging cutting edge technology and content but
also working together to create innovative products that enhance
fan engagement and bring fans closer to the game. By combining our
strengths, we can unlock new opportunities and reach more sports
fans around the globe to shape the future of sports entertainment.
This deal, which is immediately accretive to our business, will
drive value for our shareholders as we continue to expand margins
and generate strong cash flow.”
Sportradar has been an official partner of MLB
since 2014. Most recently, MLB selected Sportradar’s Synergy Sports
Coaching & Scouting solution to provide unparalleled sports
performance analysis to the league and its 30 Clubs.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLMajor League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic
professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30
member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level
of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred,
Jr., MLB has achieved back-to-back attendance gains for the first
time in 12 years with an overall increase of +11% and 80% of Clubs
welcoming more fans over the last two seasons following extensive
rule changes that have improved the quality of play on the field.
With the 2024 season featuring the best time of game in 40 years
and the most stolen bases in 109 years, MLB viewership increased
across all its national media partners, grew international
viewership by +18%, set another record for MLB.TV streaming with
more than 14 billion minutes watched and earned League of the Year
honors from Sports Business Journal and the CLIOS. As the league
increased its marketing efforts and promotion of star players like
2024 NL MVP Shohei Ohtani and 2024 AL MVP Aaron Judge, MLB has
significantly increased its younger fan base as evidenced through
viewership, social media, ticket purchasing, and participation
metrics. Through its MLB Together social responsibility efforts,
MLB remains committed to making a positive impact in the
communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world. With the
continued success of MLB Network, MLB digital platforms and local
media production and distribution, MLB continues to find innovative
ways for its fans to enjoy America's National Pastime and a truly
global game. To learn more about MLB, please visit www.mlb.com.
ABOUT SPORTRADARSportradar
Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), founded in 2001, is a leading global
sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports
fans and bettors. Positioned at the intersection of the sports,
media and betting industries, the company provides sports
federations, news media, consumer platforms and sports betting
operators with a best-in-class range of solutions to help grow
their business. As the trusted partner of organizations like the
ATP, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL and the
Bundesliga, Sportradar covers close to a million events annually
across all major sports. With deep industry relationships and
expertise, Sportradar is not just redefining the sports fan
experience, it also safeguards sports through its Integrity
Services division and advocacy for an integrity-driven environment
for all involved.
For more information about Sportradar, please visit
www.sportradar.com
Contacts:Major League
BaseballDave HochmanDavid.Hochman@mlb.com
Sportradar Sandra Lee -
Mediasandra.lee@sportradar.com
Jim Bombassei – Investor
Relationsj.bombassei@sportradar.com
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