Ready to Play Ball – MLB’s New Era with Sportradar, by Eric Conrad, EVP, Strategic Partnerships

Eric Conrad said that, ahead of 2025 Opening Day, the firm announced that MLB selected Sportradar as an exclusive partner for the next eight years to enhance fan engagement and grow the sport worldwide. Sportradar is distributing MLB’s ultra-low latency official data, including MLB Statcast Data and media content, across its extensive global network of 800 sportsbook and 900 media company clients.

He adds that Sportradar is providing cutting-edge AI-driven technology to power the delivery of deeper insights and immersive experiences for fans. This partnership reinforces MLB’s reputation for innovation and technological advancements and provides a significant endorsement of Sportradar as the industry’s leading technology partner.

Read statements by Eric Conrad, EVP, Strategic Partnerships on Sportradar and MLB collaboration: 

"But it isn’t just a big win for us. The collaboration promises to benefit baseball fans around the world, from seasoned fans to those just discovering the sport. Both MLB and Sportradar have a shared commitment to delivering tailored content and insights that improve the individual fan experience. Leveraging our technological expertise to showcase the full range of MLB content will result in some explosive hits, delivering personalized fan experiences like never before.

For example, the integration of MLB’s Statcast player tracking data combined with Sportradar’s AI technology will provide captivating and dynamic content. This will offer viewers real-time statistics, bespoke highlights, and innovative environments via MLB Virtual, allowing fans to experience the game as if they’re on the field.

To boost live fan engagement during a game, Sportradar is introducing new in-game betting products for the 2025 season. The introduction of micro markets and player props will offer fans more ways to interact with the game, while the integration of MLB Statcast data powered by AI will create real-time betting markets and more compelling content.

Also, low latency ball and player tracking will improve “match tracking” for sportsbooks apps, providing real-time contextual game and player statistics that will unlock more micro market wagering options for MLB. Compelling content naturally boosts fan engagement, keeping viewers tuned in for longer periods and encouraging them to return more frequently, which ultimately strengthens fan loyalty and enhances the overall viewing experience.

While baseball remains a quintessentially American pastime, the global ramifications of this deal are substantial. The sold-out, opening games of this season took place in the

Tokyo Dome, representing the strong international interest in MLB. Sportradar’s established presence in APAC positions us well to leverage new technologies and expand the sport’s footprint even further across this region.

At the same time, MLB will utilize Sportradar’s global network to broaden its audience in other priority and emerging markets, from Latam to Europe and beyond. In addition, Sportradar will exclusively deliver data and insights to MLB’s national, local and international broadcast partners, as well as hundreds of digital and social media platforms covering the league, encouraging a deeper and more engaging fan experience worldwide.

Sportradar and MLB are invested in each other’s growth and this partnership is sparking a new era that will expand the sport’s reach and elevate fan engagement. With a shared vision for the future fueled by cutting-edge technology and a relentless focus on enhancing the fan experience, both organizations are paving the way for the next generation of baseball. As we look forward to the 2025 season, MLB is ready to deliver its most exciting season yet, showcasing itself on the global stage. The future of the game is here, and it’s time to play ball!"