The Sportradar IMG Arena merger has now cleared its first regulatory hurdle in the UK. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed its decision after reviewing whether the deal could restrict competition. With approval granted, the transaction can move forward, though the full decision text is still to be published.

• The CMA formally launched its merger inquiry on 29 August 2025, several weeks after inviting industry stakeholders to provide feedback. That consultation ran from 11 to 25 July, giving companies and organisations the chance to comment on possible impacts of the deal. According to the CMA, the invitation to comment is always the first step in its merger review process.

• Sportradar Group AG, a major global data and technology provider for the betting industry, is set to acquire IMG Arena US Parent, LLC. IMG Arena is well known for delivering streaming, data and integrity services to sportsbooks. The CMA review focused specifically on whether combining the two businesses would affect the UK betting and sports data market.

• On 3 October 2025, the CMA confirmed it had cleared the anticipated acquisition. The watchdog stated that its review did not identify competition concerns in the relevant markets. It also noted that the full written decision will be published in due course.

• In its process, the CMA examined whether the deal might reduce innovation, restrict supply, or harm competition between data and betting providers. Interested parties had been able to submit comments to a dedicated CMA email address. The regulator confirmed that the consultation period is now closed.

• The clearance decision means Sportradar can continue with the acquisition of IMG Arena without facing remedies or restrictions in the UK. CMA clearance is considered an important milestone in any merger, particularly in sectors like betting and sports data, where market concentration can raise questions.

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