A new legal battle is unfolding that threatens to expose the hidden forces shaping the rapidly expanding US sports betting market. Altenar Technologies Limited has launched a lawsuit against data giant Sportradar, alleging a deliberate attempt to stifle competition and maintain a monopoly over crucial sports data.
At the heart of the dispute lies access to “official league data” – the real-time information that fuels the dynamic world of in-play betting. Altenar, a provider of sports betting technology, claims Sportradar leveraged its control over this data to effectively lock them out of the lucrative US market.
For years, Altenar relied on Sportradar for data feeds in international markets, a partnership costing over $6 million annually. However, when Altenar sought to expand into the US following the 2018 legalization of sports betting, the data flow abruptly stopped, despite prior assurances of continued access.
The lawsuit alleges Sportradar reneged on a promise to provide official data for US betting operations, a move Altenar argues was designed to eliminate a competitor. Without this official data, Altenar contends, competing in the US market is virtually impossible.
The ability to offer “in-play” betting – wagering on events as they unfold – is now essential for sportsbooks to attract customers. Altenar asserts that reliable, official league data is the only way to deliver this experience, and Sportradar controls the spigot.
This lack of access has effectively stalled Altenar’s US expansion, despite significant investment – nearly $2 million – and extensive outreach to potential partners. Numerous operators reportedly declined to collaborate without integrated official data feeds.
Sportradar’s exclusive agreements with major leagues like the NBA, MLB, and NHL further solidify its control. Altenar argues these “exclusive multi-year arrangements” grant Sportradar an unfair advantage over the entire betting ecosystem.
The situation is complicated by Sportradar’s own entry into the sportsbook platform market. Its ORAKO platform, launched in 2022, offers an all-in-one solution for betting operators, potentially reducing their need for independent technology providers like Altenar.
Altenar contends this creates a clear conflict of interest, allowing Sportradar to prioritize its own platform while simultaneously restricting access for competitors. The lawsuit suggests Sportradar is actively working to undermine the very companies it once served.
This isn’t an isolated incident. A separate lawsuit involving Panda Interactive has broadened antitrust claims against both Sportradar and Genius Sports, echoing accusations of leveraging exclusive data deals to suppress competition in both betting and streaming markets.
Despite these legal challenges, Sportradar’s financial performance remains strong, recently reporting record revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025. This success, Altenar argues, is directly linked to its monopolistic practices.
The complaint extends beyond US borders, alleging that new terms imposed on Altenar’s international data agreements would force the company to operate at a loss. Altenar now faces a stark choice: accept unprofitable contracts or lose access to data altogether.
Altenar is seeking both financial damages and a court order mandating fair access to data. The company warns that without intervention, the lack of competition will inevitably lead to higher prices, reduced innovation, and limited choices for consumers.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, potentially reshaping the landscape of the US sports betting industry and determining whether a single company can control the flow of information that drives the action.
