Contract dispute leads NYRA to cut off FanDuel TV

With its popular Saratoga summer meet only one week away, the New York Racing Association pulled the plug on FanDuel TV, cutting off its content from the channel and digital platforms formerly known as TVG.

A news release sent by NYRA spokesperson Patrick McKenna blamed a contractual impasse for the decision that was announced and carried out before the start of Thursday’s card at Belmont at the Big A.

A written response by spokesperson Chip Tuttle on behalf of FanDuel Group said, "We cannot agree to new proposed terns that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreement."

Neither FanDuel TV nor NYRA offered specifics about the impasse.

FanDuel TV is available in as many as 60 million U.S. homes. 

The NYRA release:

The New York Racing Association today announced that a contractual impasse between NYRA and TVG/FanDuel will result in the elimination of all NYRA content from TVG/FanDuel wagering platforms effective immediately. As a result, pari-mutuel wagering and live video from the ongoing Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet are not currently available on TVG/FanDuel.

In its role as a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State, NYRA’s mission is to conduct world-class racing for the benefit of the state’s economy while growing the sport and creating opportunities for horsemen and breeders to compete for robust purses throughout the year. To fulfill those goals, NYRA will continue negotiations with TVG/FanDuel to increase funds flowing to the sport and its stakeholders in New York.

“NYRA provides the racing content that fuels the profits of out-of-state ADWs like TVG/FanDuel,” said Tony Allevato, NYRA chief revenue officer. “NYRA must prioritize the overall health of the sport and broader industry here in New York and we will continue negotiations to seek an equitable resolution so that our racing is widely available nationally.”

“New York's horse owners are deeply invested in making the NYRA racing product the best in the country,” said Tina Bond, president, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We staunchly agree that fair compensation for that investment is absolutely imperative. If the New York thoroughbred industry thrives, we all benefit.”

“NYRA is working to broaden the economic benefits flowing to New York’s horse racing industry, and our membership supports these efforts in every way,” said Najja Thompson, executive director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “The funds generated by ADWs carrying NYRA support breeding farms throughout the state, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with NYRA.”

NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Belmont at the Big A, and the best way to bet every race of the spring/summer meet. Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.

In addition, wagering on the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet is available nationwide via Caesars Racebook, BetMGM and other advance deposit wagering platforms.

The Belmont at the Big A spring-summer meet continues through Sunday, July 7 before live racing shifts upstate for the summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

America’s Day at the Races presents daily coverage and analysis of the Belmont at the Big A spring-summer meet on the networks of Fox Sports.

FanDuel responses

In media statement: "We have not yet been able to agree to terms to renew our wagering agreement with the New York Racing Association. As a result, we will not be carrying NYRA’s content starting today, Thursday, July 4th. While we hope to have this content available again soon, we cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements. We understand and regret that this will be an inconvenience to our customers. We have made, and will continue to make, substantial investments in horse racing and we remain very committed to our track and horsemen partners."

On X: "Due to the expiration of our content agreement with NYRA, we are currently not offering wagering on BAQ (Belmont at Aqueduct). We understand and regret that this may be an inconvenience for some customers but we cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements. We hope to have NYRA content available again soon."