Press Releases
Genius Sports acquires Second Spectrum, the official data tracking and analytics provider of the EPL, NBA, and MLS
Acquisition of industry-leading data tracking and visualization platform to enhance real-time data collection, analytics and live streaming capabilities
- Adds best-in-class artificial intelligence technology team as well as computer vision and machine learning products allowing Genius Sports to capture richer, faster, and more accurate tracking data
- World’s most advanced tracking technology to revolutionize the fan experience with augmented video, real-time data insights and predictive analytics across digital streaming platforms
- Expected to unlock significant future growth potential at Second Spectrum through integration with Genius Sports’ global network of sports, betting and media relationships and expected capabilities
- Enhances Genius Sports’ existing portfolio with highly complementary blue-chip client base
- Builds on Genius Sports’ track record of successfully acquiring and scaling innovative companies, including Sportzcast Inc. in December 2020 and FanHub in 2021
Genius Sports Limited, the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Second Spectrum, a leading provider of cutting-edge data tracking and visualization solutions.
This acquisition combines two of the world’s most innovative sports data and technology companies to create a complete end-to-end offering for the sports, betting and media ecosystem.
Second Spectrum was founded in 2013 and has become a world-leading and fully integrated sports AI provider, offering tracking, analytics and data visualization services. Second Spectrum’s innovative technology allows clients to automatically index action on the court, pitch or field within seconds. With the world’s most advanced player tracking technology, teams, leagues, media and data partners are able to gain real-time insights; driving decision making and greater levels of engagement.
The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition is $200 million, subject to customary adjustments. The purchase price will be paid at closing in cash and shares of Genius Sports common stock. Consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021. The business is expected to be EBITDA positive post-integration and additional details and quantification on synergies will be provided in Genius Sports’ upcoming Q1 earnings call.
With Second Spectrum’s unique capabilities, Genius Sports will offer new levels of rich data-driven insights to its partners around the world, benefiting leagues, federations, teams, fans, coaches, sportsbooks, broadcasters and sponsors. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Genius Sports’ convergence of sports, betting and media to power the fan experience of the future, combining Genius Sports’ streaming capabilities with Second Spectrum’s interactive broadcast solutions which integrate advanced data with augmented video content.
The combined offering of Genius Sports’ existing products, extensive network, and operational scale with Second Spectrum’s highly innovative tracking and video augmentation products will create richer, more valuable official sports data and drive fan engagement with a compelling experience that combines real-time data, and analytics with innovative augmented video streaming and personalized content.
Second Spectrum will also bring a highly complementary client base, building on Genius Sports’ official data partnerships with over 400 sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, EPL and NCAA. Second Spectrum is the official tracking provider of the EPL, NBA, and MLS, using advanced AI capabilities and computer vision technology to capture precise ball and player location-based data. In addition to these relationships, Second Spectrum has partnerships with ESPN, BT Sport, and Bally Sports to offer augmented reality features for select soccer and basketball games. The business has also formed partnerships with leading sports franchises, including The Los Angeles Clippers, to provide new content and revolutionize the fan viewing experience.
“Genius is committed to capturing and distributing the fastest, most accurate and secure official sports data. This acquisition supports our long-term strategic vision of utilizing AI tracking, enhanced data insights and transformative technology to revolutionize the sports data landscape for the fans, our customers and sports and media partners,” said Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke. “Adding additional fan engagement technology to our already diverse and cutting-edge portfolio of products and services will create compelling, unique content, that will transform user experiences and create additional revenue streams for our customers. We are delighted to welcome Rajiv and his team to the Genius Sports family.”
“We are thrilled to join the Genius Sports family,” said Second Spectrum CEO Rajiv Maheswaran. “Mark and his incredible team have built the fastest growing sports data platform on the planet by better serving sports leagues, fans and their partners by leveraging technology in novel and compelling ways. Second Spectrum’s mission to be at the forefront of innovation in the sports ecosystem in combination with the scale and drive of Genius Sports will rapidly accelerate how content is created and experienced and bring significant value for our partners and clients.“
On April 20, 2021, Genius Sports completed its previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) with dMY Technology Group, Inc. II (“dMY II”). The Business Combination was approved at a special meeting of dMY II’s stockholders held Friday, April 16. Beginning on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Genius Sports’ ordinary shares and warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbols “GENI” and “GENI WS”, respectively. With over $145 million in cash and no financial debt on the balance sheet, Genius Sports is poised to continue to capitalize on the considerable growth expected in the global online sports betting market.
An O’Melveny & Myers LLP team led by partners Charles Baker, Tobias Knapp and Amy Siegel, advised Genius Sports on the Second Spectrum acquisition and the company’s recently announced NFL data rights transaction.
LionTree Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor to Second Spectrum and Oakvale Capital LLP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Genius Sports.
Latest News
SCCG Partners with Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise to Enhance Interactive Gaming Operations with Managed Services
SCCG Management, a leading global advisory firm in the gaming and sports betting industry, is proud to announce its engagement by the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise (ONGE) to assist in developing innovative, robust, player-centric solutions for sportsbook operations, on-line/mobile social casino, and Class II mobile on-premise gaming, designed to enhance the patron experience with diverse content, and drive operational efficiency.
The ONGE, operators of seven gaming and hospitality facilities in Oklahoma, is known for providing an intimate, guest-focused gaming, service, and entertainment experience. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating advanced technology and operational expertise to deliver innovative solutions for the evolving interactive gaming landscape.
SCCG Managed Services (SCCGMS) specializes in turnkey solutions for tribal operators to develop, optimize, and manage sports betting and interactive gaming offerings. For the ONGE, , SCCGMS will assist in sourcing and implementing customized products and services tailored to their operations, enabling patrons to enjoy casino-style games on their mobile devices while within designated areas of the casino properties. This service ensures compliance with regulatory standards while delivering a seamless and convenient gaming experience.
“Our mission is to ensure operators like the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise can fully harness the potential of their gaming operations,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management. “This partnership is about bringing cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to elevate interactive gaming experiences. We are honored to collaborate with the ONGE, a leader in tribal gaming, to pave the way for enhanced content, responsible gaming, and innovation.”
“On behalf of Osage Casinos, we are very pleased to announce our engagement of SCCG to assist us with developing these new products and services for our guests,” offered Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Gaming.
Compliance Updates
Licenses received: RockApp strengthens its position in the US iGaming market
RockApp, a leading global media buying agency, proudly announces that it has obtained official licenses in all regulated US states, allowing it to promote iGaming services nationwide, including Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. With these licenses, RockApp is now authorized to operate in all regulated US states, except for New York. This achievement comes amidst tightening regulatory standards, underscoring the agency’s commitment to compliance and excellence in performance marketing. The move positions RockApp as a trusted partner for iGaming companies looking to expand their reach in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
These developments enable the agency to work with prominent industry players, including established American brands, and deliver targeted advertising campaigns with measurable results. By securing a legal presence in all regulated states, RockApp reinforces its reputation as a reliable and professional partner, capable of navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
This milestone is part of RockApp’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in the media buying industry. Over the past year, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving a 440% increase in customer acquisition, a 300% boost in turnover, and a record-breaking 4,000 first-time deposits achieved in a single day. These achievements reflect RockApp’s dedication to innovation, strategic planning, and delivering exceptional value to its clients.
“This is a pivotal moment for RockApp,” said Niko Belikov, Founder at RockApp. “Securing licenses in the US not only opens new doors for us but also allows us to bring our expertise in iGaming promotion to a market that values professionalism and results. We’re excited to support our clients as they navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve unparalleled success.”
Compliance Updates
Media Troopers Receives Two-Year Renewal of Colorado Sports Betting License
Media Troopers, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in sports betting and iGaming, has marked its two-year anniversary in promoting sports betting in Colorado as a vendor licensed by the state.
Shmulik Segal, CEO of Media Troopers said: “We are very proud of this renewal, as it marks a milestone of two successful years of growth and commitment to the State of Colorado.”
Colorado’s Division of Gaming has renewed Media Troopers’ vendor license, allowing the company to promote sports betting offers for its customers until January 2027.
“Receiving a new license and debuting in a state is always exciting, but it is where the hard work begins,” Segal added. “So I am proud to celebrate two successful years of hard work and dedication in promoting safe and reponsible gaming for our Colorado partners such as BetMGM, bet365, and BetFanatics.”
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