NYRA and FanDuel strike deal, restoring Saratoga Race Course signal ahead of opening race

In a last-minute agreement, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and FanDuel have settled their negotiations, restoring NYRA’s signal to FanDuel’s betting platforms just in time for the opening race at Saratoga Race Course.

While specific terms of the multi-year agreement remain confidential, both parties confirmed the restoration of the Saratoga Race Course signal, a key attraction of the summer racing season. The deal was described in a statement from FanDuel as a “multi-year agreement.”

FanDuel, which operates one of the largest betting platforms in the country along with TVG, an established horserace wagering service, faced a looming deadline as the previous contract expired on July 1.

Over the past ten days, NYRA and FanDuel have engaged in sporadic negotiations to resolve an impasse concerning the fees on wagers placed by New York residents. According to both parties, NYRA sought to increase these fees under the new agreement.

Since 2020, Saratoga races have been exclusively broadcast on Fox networks, thanks to a partnership between NYRA and Fox. Despite this exclusive television deal, account-wagering and sports betting platforms have continued to offer live simulcast feeds of Saratoga races.

As part of the agreement, FanDuel and TVG will make a contribution to the NYRA Foundation, a non-profit organization that distributes grants to New York charities connected to the racing industry.

NYRA operates races year-round, with its simulcast contracts covering all events at its properties. During the renovations at Belmont Park, racing will be hosted at Aqueduct and Saratoga. The Saratoga summer meet, eagerly anticipated by racing fans, will run through September 2, ending on Labor Day.