This week, shares of Sportradar (SRAD) experienced a notable jump of 10% by Thursday afternoon, according to figures from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
On Wednesday, Sportradar released its earnings report for the fourth quarter, showcasing a powerful performance with a 26% rise in revenue and a remarkable 36% boost in cash from operations for 2024. However, what really captured the market’s attention was a significant acquisition announcement that management unveiled.
Sportradar is a key player in the sports betting industry, providing essential tools and services. Its offerings include real-time data, odds, statistics, and multimedia overlays for a seamless betting experience. The company boasts an impressive network, partnering with over 400 sports leagues, 800 betting entities, and 900 media outlets to cover an astounding 1 million matches across 70 sports each year.
In a move that’s set to expand its influence, Sportradar announced the acquisition of IMG Arena from Endeavor. This isn’t just any acquisition; Sportradar will gain IMG Arena’s extensive global sports betting rights and simultaneously receive $225 million to facilitate the purchase.
Endeavor, poised to go private with backing from Silver Lake—more interested in their talent agency and live events arms than their sports betting division—saw it beneficial to pay Sportradar to offload IMG Arena.
IMG Arena’s sports rights portfolio is nothing short of impressive, encompassing events like three major tennis championships and popular leagues such as the PGA Tour, UFC, and Major League Soccer. This acquisition enriches Sportradar’s existing archive, and management is optimistic about its immediate positive impact on revenue and cash flow.
With targets of at least 15% sales growth and improved free cash flow margins for 2025, even before factoring in the benefits from acquiring IMG Arena, Sportradar is one company worth keeping a close eye on.
