The integrated entity will leverage the individual strengths and operational expertise of both global businesses, marrying OpenBet’s industry-leading betting technology, content and services and IMG ARENA’s data rights and capabilities to create an end-to-end sports data, technology and content ecosystem for betting operators and rights holders.
IMG ARENA will now operate as a brand under the OpenBet banner, continuing to offer its suite of sports data, integrity and fan engagement products to rightsholders, federations, leagues, events, media outlets and betting operators.
The combined business will be led by Jordan Levin, CEO, OpenBet, reporting to Endeavor President & COO Mark Shapiro. Former IMG ARENA President Freddie Longe will remain with the company as a Strategic Advisor to the OpenBet organization, during the transition period.
Mark Shapiro commented: “When we acquired OpenBet in 2022, we envisioned a holistic integration with IMG ARENA that would create a leader in the global betting, sports data and technology industry. Today is the culmination of that ambition.”
“Leveraging Endeavor’s complementary sports and entertainment capabilities, we will unlock meaningful value for the sports rights and IP of our owned and operated properties, and most importantly, for our partners. As we make this transition, I would like to recognize Freddie Longe’s vision and leadership of the IMG ARENA business. We are pleased that he will remain with the company in an advisory role.”
Jordan Levin added: “We are uniquely positioned as a leading, end-to-end, sports data, technology and content ecosystem for betting operators, rightsholders and media. Putting our customers and their players at the heart of our product and tech innovation remains the key to our ongoing success. As an integrated business, we are focused on providing a unique solution to leagues, federations, and sportsbooks worldwide.”
OpenBet is a world leader in sports betting entertainment. With over 25 years’ experience and a track record of innovation, OpenBet’s modular range of technology, content and services is entrusted by the globe’s biggest sports betting brands, lotteries, casinos and tribal operators. It is a leading business-to-business sports betting partner and solutions provider globally.
IMG ARENA is a leading sports data and technology supplier for the betting, media, and performance sectors. It delivers live streaming and data feeds for more than 65,000 sports events annually, as well as for on-demand virtual sports products and front-end solutions including the UFC Event Centre. Partners include UFC, MLS, PGA Tour, DP World Tour, USTA, EuroLeague, and the NWSL.
Source: GMB
