Sportradar brokers video and stats deal with NBA

Sportradar has entered a multi-year partnership with North America’s National Basketball Association (NBA) that will see it distribute NBA data and audio-visual game feeds to betting operators outside of the US that operate in markets where gambling is legal from the 2016-17 campaign.

Beginning with the 2017-18 season, Sportradar, in partnership with sports data specialist Second Spectrum, will be the official provider of real-time NBA league statistics.

The two companies will produce statistical information for the NBA, including the play-offs and AllStar Games, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NBA Development League and the major, available in over 80 countries and territories around the world.

In addition, the NBA will incorporate Sportradar's Integrity Services into its existing game integrity protection measures.

Meanwhile, Second Spectrum will begin installing its player-tracking system in all NBA arenas during the 2016-17 season, with the technology due to be in place in time for the 2017-18 campaign, during which the company will serve as the official optical tracking provider of the NBA.

Second Spectrum will provide advanced statistics for comprehensive analysis of players and teams, as well as work individually with teams and league partners to offer custom solutions and products based on player-tracking data.

Last month, Bloomberg reported that Sportradar was close to securing a six-year deal with the NBA, worth US$250m (€222.5m).

“As the interest in – and analysis of – data continues to grow around the world, we look forward to furthering the depth and reach of NBA data and analytics through our partnership with Sportradar and Second Spectrum,” NBA president global content and media distribution, Bill Koenig, said.

Carsten Koerl, chief executive of Sportradar, added: “This multi-faceted partnership with the NBA presents a really exciting opportunity for Sportradar and for fans of NBA basketball worldwide. 

“We will be developing a full suite of innovative products, tools and services that will bring the full depth of this exhilarating league’s data around the globe.”

Related article: Sportradar to score $250m NBA deal – report