Panda Interactive Expands Lawsuit Against Sportradar and Genius Sports with Market Monopolization Allegations
History of the Legal Dispute
The legal battle between Panda Interactive and the companies Sportradar and Genius Sports has been ongoing since October 2023. Initially, Panda Interactive accused its opponents of patent infringement related to ultra-low latency technology and interactive sports broadcasts.
In August 2024, a Texas court denied Sportradar’s motion to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds, after which the cases were consolidated into a single proceeding. In the updated lawsuit, Panda Interactive added new antitrust allegations.
Core Antitrust Allegations
Panda Interactive claims that Genius Sports and Sportradar:
- Tie access to exclusive sports data with the use of their betting technologies.
- Monopolize the market, limiting competition and user choice.
- Use Panda Interactive’s patented technologies in their products, blocking opportunities for competitors.
- Pressure bookmakers into using their platforms in exchange for access to critical sports data.
Reactions from the Parties
A Sportradar representative stated that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation but is confident in its legal position and prepared to defend itself in court. Genius Sports has not yet provided an official comment.
Panda Interactive CEO Donald Schupak called the defendants’ actions “a blatant example of unfair competition,” accusing them of coercively imposing their services.
Panda Interactive CEO Kevin April also noted:
“The future of sports betting should be driven by innovation and competition, not control and coercion.”
Panda Interactive’s Demands
The company seeks:
- A court injunction against the anti-competitive practices of Genius Sports and Sportradar.
- Compensation for damages caused by the defendants’ actions.
According to Panda Interactive, sports data should be available on competitive terms, and its distribution should not depend on the use of specific technological solutions.
Andrew Schupak, Panda Interactive’s Director of Strategy, emphasized:
“A fair and open market fosters development that benefits everyone—bookmakers, media companies, and consumers.”
The case remains under review.