Sportradar pens integrity deal with United Soccer League
Sports data intelligence provider Sportradar has entered into an official integrity services partnership with the United Soccer League (USL), the second tier of club football in the US.
Under the agreement, Sportradar will use its fraud detection system to monitor and analyse all USL competitions, flagging up any concerns to the USL.
Sportradar will also provide the USL with a range of educational solutions on the nature and risks of match-fixing and sports manipulation. Delivered in English and Spanish, these sessions will focus on relevant policies related to betting and game manipulation, and the risks of getting involved with match-fixing or other betting-related rules violations.
The deal will also see Sportradar carry out a comprehensive integrity audit for USL to assist the league in implementing an integrity programme.
In addition, Sportradar will licence all USL Championship matches for its global audio and visual sports betting business. There is an option to extend this to include the USL’s League One matches.
“There is nothing more important than protecting the overall integrity of our League,” USL senior vice-president Lizzie Seedhouse said.
“We have to stay vigilant in the ways we protect our players and teams, and in the ever-changing landscape of sports betting in the United States, education for all those with access to influence the game is paramount.”
Andy Cunningham, director, global strategy of integrity services at Sportradar, added that the USL “have shown a strong commitment to upholding the integrity of their competitions and protecting their stakeholders”.
Sportradar has similar arrangements in place with the NBA basketball league, NHL ice hockey league, the NFL and NASCAR. Last month, Sportradar also moved to expand its relationship with Major League Baseball to a global deal.
In addition to deals with sports organisations, Sportradar has signed a number of deals with operators in the wake of the US Supreme Court ruling on PASPA last year, including the Roar Digital joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings.
Sportradar has also brought in a number of new investors with a North American focus to support its growth plans in the region. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Silicon Valley-based growth equity firm TCV are among those that are now financially supporting Sportradar.
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