Genius Sports Expands Partnership with NCAA, Securing Exclusive Data Rights through 2032
Genius Sports has officially renewed its partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), locking in a deal that will run through 2032. This agreement positions Genius Sports as the exclusive data provider for the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, a pivotal event in college basketball.
The announcement, made on April 25, reveals that Genius Sports will now deliver official NCAA data to authorized sportsbooks, enhancing the offerings available to fans and bettors during the NCAA’s highly anticipated post-season tournaments.
This extended collaboration comes with new features aimed at reinforcing integrity and encouraging responsible gaming. Through its Authorised Gaming Licensee (AGL) program, Genius Sports will offer sportsbooks privileged access to NCAA’s official data feeds and branding materials, ensuring that licensed operators can rely on high-quality, trustworthy analytics.
While Genius Sports will facilitate exclusive access to this data, the NCAA’s live statistics platform, NCAA LiveStats, remains complimentary for all member institutions, providing updates from over 70,000 games annually. This initiative ensures that players, coaches, and fans receive real-time information during competitions.
Furthermore, the relationship will leverage GeniusIQ, a sophisticated AI-driven platform, to elevate the functionality of LiveStats. This enhancement aims to equip coaches and schools with valuable insights while also creating engaging experiences for enthusiasts.
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed agreement, highlighting its significance in reshaping the landscape of college sports data. He noted, "This extension is a clear testament to our vision of delivering innovative data solutions, strengthening our partnerships with NCAA institutions while connecting sportsbooks with premium NCAA content."
Locke emphasized that this partnership embodies a commitment to innovation and integrity, which are essential for the future of collegiate athletics.
Ensuring Data Rights
In conjunction with the expansion, the NCAA is focusing on strategies to safeguard its data rights, particularly concerning in-venue official data and scouting operations. A recent settlement with Sportradar has resulted in the prohibition of unauthorized in-stadium data collection, ensuring that Genius Sports retains its exclusive rights.
In 2019, following an exclusive agreement to manage live data for several prominent soccer leagues, Sportradar raised legal concerns regarding competition law. However, the resolution of these disputes culminated in Sportradar receiving a sublicense for a delayed data feed, while unauthorized scouting practices were curtailed.
This partnership not only reflects a significant advancement in data management within collegiate sports but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between sports organizations and data providers, laying a foundation of integrity and innovation.