Instead of making price its main focus, Altenar appears to be targeting market access. The company says Sportradar’s control over official data tied to major leagues (including the NBA, NHL, MLB, and ATP) has shut it out of the U.S. market for turnkey sportsbook services. Altenar’s argument is that without access to those feeds, it cannot realistically compete in the U.S. market for turnkey sportsbook services.
Why the Case Goes Beyond a Contract Dispute
The legal basis for the claim by Altenar revolves around antitrust laws. According to the company, Sportradar used its exclusive control over the upstream market for live official U.S. sports league data to keep a rival out of the turnkey sportsbook segment. The lawsuit was filed on March 31, 2026. Altenar has also launched parallel legal action in the UK.
The larger issue, however, is that of vertical integration. Sportradar does not just serve as a provider of information but also supplies sportsbook software. In June 2022, Sportradar introduced ORAKO, which is an integrated sportsbook solution for betting operators. This product forms the core of Altenar’s claim against Sportradar. The company controlling an important input also competes for its customers in the downstream market.
Sportradar said it strongly disagrees with Altenar’s claims, which it described as without merit and containing numerous inaccuracies. The company added that it would address the claims through the legal process.
Timing Adds Yet Another Dimension
The case comes several months after Sportradar announced the deal to acquire IMG Arena on March 19, 2025. It was cleared by the UK Competition and Markets Authority on October 3, 2025, and Sportradar made an announcement about the close of the acquisition on November 3, 2025. The IMG Arena portfolio had included more than 70 rightsholders in 14 different sports.
This timing lends extra importance to the matter. The New Jersey case occurred at a moment when control over official sports data was becoming more concentrated.
Market Implications
The issue facing the betting business is not whether there is trouble between the two providers. It’s whether access to official data feeds is too highly concentrated to allow new and emerging platform operators to compete on an equal footing. Should the claims made by Altenar win the legal argument, this could turn into a landmark ruling.
