Major League Rugby, the leading rugby league in the US, has today announced Genius Sports Group (GSG) as its official sports betting data partner.
This exclusive deal will grant GSG the rights to manage the league’s official data with sportsbooks and distribute it across North America and worldwide.
Major League Rugby commissioner George Killebrew said: “We know there is interest in regulated betting on our matches and we have to take proactive measures to safeguard the integrity and transparency of our events.
“We have the utmost confidence in Genius Sports Group to manage our data and deliver it to their sportsbook partners, further engaging all fans, old and new.
“With former England captain Chris Robshaw and Wallabies legend Adam Ashley-Cooper amongst the confirmed players for the upcoming season, MLR is rapidly establishing itself as a prominent league for rugby fans in North America and globally,” added Genius CEO Mark Locke.
“Our technology, real-time distribution and leading network of sportsbook partners will help to enhance engagement and connect MLR with new audiences worldwide.”
The deal represents another exclusive partnership for GSG within the sporting world; having signed a similar deal with Italian men’s volleyball league Lega Volley in February.
These deals coincide with plans to become a publicly traded company by the end of 2021’s first quarter, following a merger with dMY Technology Group – the resulting company’s value is estimated at $1.5bn.