Sportradar has today announced the signing of a partnership with NBA legend Michael Jordan. The agreement will see the famed basketball player serve as a special advisor to Sportradar’s board of directors.
This new role will see Jordan, who was also an early investor in the sports data and content provider, supply the board with guidance and strategic counsel. Specifically, he will focus on the growing US sports betting market, marketing activities, product development and other business opportunities. Sportradar hopes to leverage Jordan’s influence within the world of sports to grow its platform.
“Not only is Michael Jordan one of the most iconic sports figures of all time, but he is a legendary leader who believes in Sportradar’s mission to enhance fan engagement through our fully-integrated technology and services platform,” said Jeffery Yabuki, Sportradar’s chairman of the global board of directors. “We are thrilled to have Michael contribute to Sportradar’s business efforts moving forward.”
This news comes after Michael Jordan joined the company’s board of directors, executive team and other investors for the Nasdaq opening bell ringing ceremony as Sportradar began trading publicly.
“Over the past several years, the worlds of fandom, sports betting, and media have converged and, through his accomplishments on the court and in the boardroom, Michael sits at the intersection of these industries,” added Carsten Koerl, global CEO, Sportradar.
“As an early investor in Sportradar, Michael saw the potential in our company. We are thrilled to now tap into his entrepreneurial savvy and business acumen as we develop the next wave of solutions and offerings that will maximize engagement across sports.”
Jordan also holds the role of special advisor for DraftKings in a position that sees him "providing guidance and strategic advice on key business initiatives."
Recently, Sportradar announced a partnership with the online sportsbook FanDuel. The agreement saw the company become FanDuel’s odds supplier for US sports, including the NBA, MLB and the NHL. This partnership will run until 2028.