NFL Extends Partnership with Genius Sports for Data Distribution and Betting Services
The National Football League (NFL) has announced a multiyear extension to its partnership with Genius Sports, an international firm that distributes the league’s official play-by-play data to media and sports betting operators. The partnership, which was established in 2021, will now be extended through the 2027-28 season.
Genius Sports is responsible for providing a low-latency live game video feed that is used for live in-game betting at sportsbooks. This feed powers the NFL’s “Watch and Bet” platform, allowing customers in the U.S. and Canada to view games on participating sportsbook apps. Caesars Sportsbook was the first to launch the “Watch and Bet” feature last season during select NFL games.
The official data feed provided by Genius Sports is crucial for in-game betting on the NFL, including player props, microbetting, and same-game parlays. It is also used during NFL broadcasts. Genius Sports claims to power “over 98%” of the legalized U.S. betting market, highlighting its dominance in the industry.
The extension of the partnership between the NFL and Genius Sports demonstrates the success and value that both parties have found in their collaboration. Brent Lawton, NFL vice president of business development and strategic investments, expressed his excitement about the extension, stating that Genius Sports has been instrumental in taking their official data feeds to market and developing new ways for fans to engage with the NFL.
The NFL also relies on Genius Sports’ services to track the betting action on the league and identify abnormalities and impermissible bettors. This partnership has helped the league enforce its gambling policy, resulting in the suspension of nine players this year for violating the policy. Six of these players were found to have bet on NFL games, according to the league.
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing immersive experiences for NFL fans, broadcasters, teams, sportsbooks, brands, and more. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the integrity of all NFL games, which Genius Sports will continue to do through its 24/7 bet monitoring services.
The extension of the partnership between the NFL and Genius Sports is a significant development in the world of sports betting. It solidifies Genius Sports’ position as a leading provider of official data feeds and reinforces the NFL’s commitment to embracing the rapidly growing sports betting industry.
With the “Watch and Bet” platform, fans can now enjoy a seamless viewing experience while simultaneously placing bets on their favorite teams and players. This integration of live game video feeds and real-time data enhances the overall engagement and excitement for sports bettors.
The extension also highlights the NFL’s proactive approach to monitoring and regulating sports betting. By partnering with Genius Sports, the league can effectively track betting activity and detect any suspicious behavior that could compromise the integrity of NFL games. This commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport is crucial for preserving fan trust and ensuring fair competition.
As the legalized U.S. betting market continues to expand, partnerships like the one between the NFL and Genius Sports become increasingly important. The demand for accurate and reliable data feeds is essential for sportsbooks to provide a seamless and enjoyable betting experience for their customers.
The extension of the partnership between the NFL and Genius Sports sets a new standard for data-driven fan engagement. It demonstrates the potential for collaboration between sports leagues and betting operators to create innovative and immersive experiences for fans.
Looking ahead, both parties are excited about developing the next generation of NFL fans through their continued partnership. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing popularity of sports betting, there are bound to be more exciting developments in the world of data distribution and betting services in the coming years.
In conclusion, the multiyear extension of the partnership between the NFL and Genius Sports is a significant milestone for both organizations. It solidifies Genius Sports’ position as a leading provider of official data feeds and reinforces the NFL’s commitment to embracing the sports betting industry. The extension also highlights the importance of data-driven fan engagement and the NFL’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of the sport. With this partnership, fans can look forward to more immersive and exciting experiences in the future.