Altenar vs Sportradar: Legal Battle Over US Sports Data Escalates

The legal confrontation between sportsbook technology provider Altenar and industry titan Sportradar has reached a new level of tension. Altenar has officially stated its opposition to all attempts to relocate an ongoing lawsuit regarding US professional sports data rights from the US District Court for the District of New Jersey. Sportradar, a Nasdaq-listed group headquartered in Switzerland, is currently attempting to force the dispute into private arbitration in Zurich. For Altenar, this move represents a strategic attempt to shield the company from US justice and public scrutiny.

At the heart of the conflict is Sportradar's alleged refusal to provide Altenar with access to official live data for the National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Altenar claims that Sportradar is abusing its dominant market position to stifle competition. A particularly sensitive point is the allegation that Sportradar is simultaneously launching its own turnkey platforms, such as ORAKO and NSoft, which compete directly with Altenar’s services. In this scenario, the data provider acts as both the referee and a player on the sportsbook technology field.

Numbers and facts

The economic significance of this data is immense. Erich Zack, Vice President at Sportradar, has previously noted that in-play wagering accounts for as much as 75% of the total US sports betting handle within its operator network. Without access to the fastest and official data streams, no provider can offer a competitive product. Consequently, Altenar is seeking an injunction against the refusal to supply data and damages worth several million dollars. The lawsuit, filed on March 31, 2026, is based on Section 2 of the US Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolistic conduct. A spokesperson for Altenar offered clear words regarding the competitor's actions:

"Sportradar’s global headquarters are in Switzerland; it feels safe there. Its motion to send this case to confidential Swiss arbitration is a transparent attempt to shield itself from US justice and public scrutiny. Altenar looks forward to its day in court." - Altenar Spokesperson, Official Statement

Background

The conflict has been brewing for some time. Sportradar relies on a clause in a Master Partnership Agreement (MPA) signed in 2021, which stipulates arbitration in Switzerland. However, Altenar argues that this clause cannot be used to bypass antitrust laws or the Sherman Act. This is not the first time Sportradar has faced such accusations. In March 2025, Sportscastr (PANDA Interactive) expanded a patent infringement suit against Sportradar and Genius Sports, alleging that data access was tied to the purchase of their own products. However, those antitrust claims were dismissed by a Texas court in April 2026.

Why it matters for German players

For German bettors, a dispute in New Jersey might seem distant, but the effects are felt globally. The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) places great emphasis on the integrity of betting. German players using providers on the official GGL whitelist rely on odds based on reliable and fair data. If a single giant like Sportradar controls the data market and excludes competitors like Altenar, the variety of offers decreases. In Germany, strict rules apply, such as the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 Euro per spin limit for slots, but the LUGAS system also monitors sports betting. Fair competition among tech providers ensures that bookmakers can offer attractive odds, which ultimately strengthens player protection by pushing the black market aside.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) strictly ensures that licensed operators only work with reputable partners. If Sportradar were to be convicted of antitrust violations, it could complicate compliance checks for German platforms relying on their data. Providers with a German license must ensure their products meet regulatory requirements, which could become more difficult and expensive in a monopolized data environment. The outcome of the US proceedings will show whether the market power of large data suppliers will be limited, leading to long-term stability and transparency in the German licensed market.