MLB inks deal with Sportradar to distribute real time stats globally

Major League Baseball (MLB) and Sportradar have agreed a multi-year partnership to enhance and expand distribution of MLB’s real-time game statistics around the globe. The deal, which starts with the 2019 season, encompasses media and gaming rights at both international and domestic levels.

Across international markets outside of the US, Sportradar will have exclusive distribution rights for official MLB real-time game statistics, as collected at every ballpark via the league’s proprietary technology and stat operators, to both media companies and regulated sports betting operators. It also will have exclusive rights to distribute live industry standard audio-visual game feeds to gaming operators outside the US in territories where sports betting is legal.

In the US, Sportradar will have the same exclusive rights for official real-time statistics distribution to media entities in their coverage of Major League Baseball. Sportradar will also serve as the official supplier of MLB’s real-time betting data feed in the US where distribution to regulated sports betting operators will be on a non-exclusive basis through Sportradar and additional authorised distributors.

In addition, with unique access to MLB’s Statcast data, among other statistics, Sportradar will collaborate with MLB to develop and distribute new products to further engage fans and drive additional interest in the sport.

Alongside the commercial partnership, MLB will incorporate Sportradar’s Integrity Services into its existing game integrity protection measures. Sportradar will be monitoring and analysing every MLB game via its fraud detection system and providing the MLB with educational components, as well as access to its intelligence and investigations services.

“A high-quality, reliable, and fast official data feed is the building block to creating engaging gaming products for MLB fans,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB executive vice president, gaming & new business ventures. “Sportradar, a proven industry leader in data distribution, is perfectly positioned to help MLB deliver an exceptional Official MLB betting feed. We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will unlock as the sports betting landscape continues to unfold in the US.”