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FIFA Names Stats Perform as Official Betting Data and Live-Streaming Partner Ahead of 2026 World Cup

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FIFA has appointed sports artificial intelligence firm Stats Perform as its first official distributor of betting data and betting-related live-streaming rights, covering all matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the governing body said.

Under the agreement, Stats Perform will hold exclusive rights to distribute official betting data and live streams for a wide range of FIFA competitions. These include the 2027 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Futsal World Cups, youth World Cups and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The three-year partnership will run through 2029 and is aimed at strengthening the integrity, consistency and reach of FIFA’s official data and betting products. FIFA said Stats Perform’s RunningBall unit will be responsible for delivering official betting data, while its Opta brand will exclusively supply licensed sportsbooks with player statistics, insights, scores and match trackers.

In addition, Stats Perform will act as an official distributor of live FIFA match streams to customers of licensed sports betting operators in selected territories, expanding access to real-time content in regulated markets.

Romy Gai, FIFA’s chief business officer, said the deal represents a significant step in the organization’s digital and commercial strategy. “This innovative partnership will create great opportunities to deliver official products for the benefit of the game and its fans,” he said.

The move comes as sports bodies increasingly seek tighter control over betting data and live streams, both to protect commercial value and to support integrity measures across global football competitions.

Allwyn acquires $1.6B stake in PrizePicks to fuel U.S. gaming expansion

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European lottery operator Allwyn announced it will buy a 62% majority stake in U.S.-based daily fantasy sports company PrizePicks in a deal valuing the firm at $1.6 billion. The acquisition marks a major step in Allwyn’s efforts to move beyond traditional lottery games and tap into the fast-growing U.S. digital gaming market.

The deal, set to close in the first half of 2026, positions PrizePicks as Allwyn’s flagship platform in the U.S. PrizePicks CEO Mike Ybarra said Allwyn’s backing would help accelerate nationwide growth: “We are in 45 states now. It’s my prediction that we will be in 50 states across the board, and this will be broadly accepted and regulated in the United States.”

Allwyn, part of Czech billionaire Karel Komarek’s KKCG investment group, has been diversifying aggressively. Beyond running lotteries in the UK, Italy, Austria, Greece, and the Czech Republic, it holds stakes in Kaizen Gaming (Betano brand) and Novibet, and manages the Illinois State Lottery through its U.S. arm. Earlier this year, it also announced a partnership with Formula One.

The PrizePicks acquisition reflects a push into higher-growth digital sectors, even as 90% of Allwyn’s revenues still come from lotteries. The transaction structure includes performance-based milestones that could raise PrizePicks’ enterprise value from $2.5 billion to $4.15 billion over three years.

Industry analysts note the move comes amid rapid U.S. gaming expansion since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, which legalized sports betting. Unlike sports betting, daily fantasy sports (DFS) are classified as a “game of skill,” allowing PrizePicks to operate in more states. The company is also exploring non-sports prediction markets, such as music and entertainment awards, and is investing in AI tools to enhance user decision-making.

Still, regulators have raised concerns about consumer protection as gamified platforms drive higher engagement, especially among younger users. Some U.S. states have imposed fines or opened inquiries into compliance practices. Bankers advising on the deal highlighted that iCasino (online casino gaming), still restricted to a handful of states, could eventually double the size of the regulated market if more states legalize it.

Allwyn plans to finance the PrizePicks stake with cash and debt, signaling its commitment to becoming a more diversified global gaming powerhouse.