MLB Strengthens and Expands Partnership with Sportradar
In early 2025, Major League Baseball (MLB) and Sportradar Group AG signed a significant long-term agreement, extending their partnership until 2032. This expanded deal marks a new level in the business relationship between the two entities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sportradar will serve as the exclusive distributor of sports data and media content for MLB, both domestically and internationally. This exclusivity applies to data and official media content handling for MLB's betting and fan engagement services worldwide.
The eight-year term of the agreement, which begins in early 2025, reflects a significant long-term commitment between Sportradar and MLB. As part of this deal, MLB has taken an equity stake in Sportradar, further strengthening their partnership. The exact percentage or value of the shares issued to MLB has not been publicly disclosed.
Carsten Koerl, CEO of Sportradar, expressed delight in continuing the long-term and successful collaboration with MLB. He predicts that the new agreement will help expand margins and generate strong cash flow.
The collaboration between Sportradar and MLB is focused on creating innovative products to enhance fan engagement and bring fans closer to the game. The new agreement will see the duo join forces to deliver new, AI-driven products that will deliver unrivaled fan experiences.
The distribution will include Advanced Video (AV) content and MLB Statcast Data. The partnership will utilize MLB data and content in markets such as Asia and Latin America.
The new products developed by the duo are expected to benefit approximately 900 media companies worldwide and 800 sports betting customers of Sportradar. The new agreement is immediately accretive to Sportradar's business and will drive value for its shareholders.
Kenny Gersh, MLB's Executive Vice President, Media and Business Development, considers Sportradar a great partner of the League. He believes that the new agreement will create exciting new opportunities for both Sportradar and MLB.
The new agreement is expected to begin with the 2025 season. Sportradar will pay annual license fees, and MLB will be issued up to an aggregate of 1,855,724 Class A ordinary shares during the term of the agreement.
Over the course of their partnership, Sportradar has consistently developed great products utilizing MLB's best-in-class data. The MLB will continue to deliver innovative products with the help of Sportradar to engage with fans of the sport across the globe.
- Sportradar will be the exclusive distributor of sports data and media content for Major League Baseball (MLB), including sports betting and fan engagement services worldwide.
- As part of the new agreement, MLB has taken an equity stake in Sportradar, further strengthening their partnership.
- The new agreement will see the duo join forces to deliver new, AI-driven products that will deliver unrivaled fan experiences, including Advanced Video (AV) content and MLB Statcast Data.
- The new agreement is immediately accretive to Sportradar's business and will drive value for its shareholders, benefiting approximately 900 media companies worldwide and 800 sports betting customers of Sportradar.
