The PGA TOUR and IMG ARENA have expanded their multi-year agreement to allow for the distribution of TOUR’s official scoring data to betting operators within North America. In November 2018, IMG ARENA was appointed as the PGA TOUR’s official data distributor for media and betting purposes across all events on the flagship PGA TOUR schedule. The expanded relationship includes betting sector exclusivity for the delivery of live, shot-by-shot match and event data to global operators.
The PGA TOUR’s official data is collected through its proprietary ShotLink® system, powered by CDW. With an elaborate network of walking scorers, lasers and greenside cameras, ShotLink collects and distributes a rich set of data points from each shot in PGA TOUR competition in real time. Combining PGA TOUR’s ShotLink data with IMG ARENA’s sector expertise will bring to market an innovative golf solution that provides PGA TOUR fans with new and exciting ways to enjoy the sport. The product is expected to be available worldwide in legal betting markets by early next year.
“As the sports betting market in the United States evolves, extending our relationship with the PGA TOUR is an important next step for IMG ARENA,” said Freddie Longe, senior vice-president and managing director at IMG ARENA. “For the first time, sports fans will have access to shot-by-shot action, from tournaments all-year-round using official PGA TOUR ShotLink data. We continue to feel that golf has the audience, interest and following to become one of the leading in-play betting sports globally.
“The PGA TOUR remains focused on safeguarding the sport, growing the game and deepening fan engagement with next-generation solutions," said Ron Price, Chief Operating Officer of the PGA TOUR. “IMG ARENA has proven credentials delivering fast data and live streaming in partnership with official rights holders, and we’re pleased to further extend our existing relationship.”
About IMG: IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company.
About PGA TOUR: By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.
The PGA TOUR co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Series-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 27 countries (90 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving. In 2018, tournaments across all Tours generated a record $190 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.84 billion.
The PGA TOUR’s web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
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