Sportradar faces UK CMA scrutiny over IMG Arena deal

The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a preliminary review into Sportradar’s proposed $225 million (€193 million) acquisition of IMG Arena from Endeavor Group. The regulator is concerned that the deal could harm competition in the sports betting data and media rights markets.

Sportradar, which has partnerships with global sports and esports entities, announced the deal in March 2024, aiming to integrate IMG Arena’s extensive portfolio of media rights and data services. However, the CMA fears that combining two of the sector’s major players may reduce competition in the U.K., impacting pricing, service innovation, and market access for smaller competitors.