Genius Sports has extended its data partnership with the NCAA through 2032, reinforcing its role in delivering official data to online sportsbooks. This agreement focuses on NCAA championship events, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, while excluding regular-season games.
Under the new terms, Genius Sports will supply official game data and NCAA-affiliated logos to licensed sportsbooks. This move aligns the NCAA more closely with professional sports leagues in their approach to sports betting.
Genius Sports Aims to Power Up Collegiate Online Sports Betting Market
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Our extended partnership with the NCAA underscores our commitment to integrity and innovation in sports data distribution.”
The agreement includes strict provisions to protect student-athletes. Sportsbooks must eliminate risky bet types, particularly those tied to individual player performances, to prevent potential harassment. Additionally, they are required to cooperate fully with NCAA investigations, providing data such as geolocation and device records.
Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, stated, “The NCAA retains the right to terminate any sportsbook data license if integrity protections are violated, ensuring real accountability.”
What Does The Partnership Mean for Online Sports Betting?
This partnership also ensures that NCAA member schools will continue to receive live game statistics for free via NCAA LiveStats, maintaining accessibility for educational institutions.
The extended Genius Sports-NCAA partnership ensures faster, more accurate data for March Madness, enhancing fan engagement and betting integrity. Moreover, online sportsbooks gain official access to tournament stats, increasing reliability for live bets.
This move strengthens protections for student-athletes while improving the March Madness viewing and wagering experience.
By extending this partnership, the NCAA and Genius Sports aim to enhance fan engagement while upholding the integrity of college sports. The collaboration sets a precedent for responsible data sharing in the evolving landscape of sports betting.