Home / Themes / Data Owners '25: Sports, Betting & Live Event Data

Data Owners '25: Sports, Betting & Live Event Data (view performance)

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Theme no thesis · 2/5 sections · Tickers 6 with notes · 13 pending

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Bull / Bear Details has the investment thesis and bull/bear points. Overview is monitoring guidance (hiring, forums, second-order trends, search keywords, Google Trends, datasets).

Overview

Hiring Trend Watchpoints

High-performing operators in this theme are expected to show strong hiring trends in several key areas. There's a significant demand for **Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, and Data Analysts** to process the vast amounts of sports, betting, and fan engagement data, leveraging AI for odds generation, integrity services, and personalized fan experiences (e.g., Sportradar's AI automation for workflows). **Software Development and Platform Engineering** roles remain critical for building and maintaining robust, low-latency betting platforms, streaming services (F1 TV, UFC Fight Pass), and live event ticketing systems (Ticketmaster). Given the evolving regulatory landscape, especially in sports betting, **Regulatory and Compliance** professionals are in high demand to navigate state-by-state laws in the US and international pressures (e.g., UK tax changes, prediction market legality). Companies pursuing international expansion (Flutter, FDJ, Super Group, Sportradar's iGaming rollout) will seek talent in **International Business Development and Localization**. For live event owners (Live Nation, TKO, Churchill Downs, Formula 1, MSG Sports), there's a sustained need for **Live Event Production, Hospitality, and Premium Sales** staff to support the growing 'experience economy' and monetize high-end offerings. Changes confirming theme execution would be continued growth in these specialized roles, particularly in data/AI and international expansion. Deterioration would be signaled by hiring freezes in these critical areas, a shift towards more generalist roles, or a significant reduction in compliance-related hiring, indicating either market saturation or a disregard for regulatory risks.

Forum Watchlist

  • Reddit — r/sportsbettingHigh

    User sentiment on betting platforms, discussions on new market entries, odds comparison, and the impact of regulatory changes on player experience.

  • Reddit — r/UFCHigh

    Fan engagement, event demand, sentiment on fighter pay and monetization strategies, media rights discussions, and reactions to new event announcements.

  • Reddit — r/formula1High

    Fan engagement, race attendance, discussions around F1 TV and other streaming services, sentiment on new technical regulations, and sponsorship impact.

  • Reddit — r/livemusicMedium

    Concert demand, ticket pricing sentiment, venue experience, and public reaction to Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust developments.

  • Reddit — r/gamblingMedium

    Broader discussions on online casino and sports betting, new game offerings, responsible gambling initiatives, and general industry sentiment.

Industry Publications

  • Sports Business Journal (sportsbusinessjournal.com) — Premier source for news, networking, and data in the business of sports, covering media rights, sponsorships, event management, and marketing, all core to this theme.
  • EGR Global (eGaming Review) (egr.global) — Leading B2B publisher and membership network for the online gaming and gambling industry, providing in-depth coverage of operators, suppliers, and regulatory news.
  • Pollstar (pollstar.com) — The leading trade publication for the concert and live entertainment industry, covering touring, venues, ticketing, and artist management, crucial for live event data owners.
  • Sportico (sportico.com) — Offers business of sports news, data, and insights, covering media, finance, law, and technology across the sports industry, providing a broad view of the theme.
  • Gambling Insider (gamblinginsider.com) — A key B2B magazine and news portal for the global gambling industry, focusing on regulatory changes, market trends, and operator strategies, directly relevant to betting data owners.

Second Order Trends

Several second-order trends are shaping the 'Sports, Betting & Live Event Data' theme. **AI-driven personalization and monetization** is evolving beyond basic analytics, with companies like Sportradar leveraging sophisticated AI for real-time odds optimization, integrity services, and hyper-personalized fan engagement. This is leading to new revenue streams and deeper customer loyalty. The emergence of **prediction markets** (e.g., Kalshi, Polymarket, with Sportradar's partnerships) represents a significant new addressable market, expanding the traditional sports betting TAM, though regulatory clarity remains a key watchpoint. The focus on **omnichannel experience integration** is intensifying, as operators like Penn Entertainment (theScore Bet + Hollywood Casino) and MGM (BetMGM + MGM Rewards) seek to seamlessly blend online betting/gaming with physical casino and live event experiences to maximize customer lifetime value and data capture. **Global regulatory divergence and strategic market entry** are creating opportunities, with mature markets facing increased scrutiny (e.g., UK tax pressure on Entain, Live Nation antitrust) while new regions (Latin America, parts of Europe/Asia for iGaming) open up, allowing global players to strategically allocate resources. Finally, the **premiumization of live event experiences** continues to drive growth, with companies like Formula 1, TKO, Churchill Downs, and MSG Sports investing heavily in high-end hospitality and exclusive offerings to boost per-fan monetization and create 'AI-proof' revenue streams in the 'experience economy'.

Search Keywords Brand Product

  • Official sports data
  • in-play betting
  • sports integrity services
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • BetMGM
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • Ladbrokes
  • Coral
  • bwin
  • BetRivers
  • RushBet
  • Kindred Group
  • Unibet
  • Kambi sportsbook platform
  • Ticketmaster
  • UFC
  • WWE
  • IMG
  • On Location
  • PBR
  • TwinSpires
  • Kentucky Derby
  • Formula 1
  • MotoGP
  • F1 TV
  • theScore Bet
  • Hollywood Casino
  • Betway
  • Spin Casino
  • Historical Racing Machines
  • Electronic Table Games
  • Playradar
  • Kalshi
  • Polymarket
  • 4Sight Streaming
  • Live Match Tracker
  • Paddock Club
  • House 44
  • The Out Lap
  • Centennial jersey
  • Winter Classic jersey
  • Zuffa Boxing
  • NXT
  • WrestleMania
  • SummerSlam
  • Royal Rumble
  • Fight Night
  • Elimination Chamber
  • UFC Freedom 250
  • Clash in Italy
  • Grand Prix Plaza
  • Marshall Yards
  • The Rose Gaming Resort
  • Rockingham Grand Casino
  • Exacta platform

Search Keywords Policy Regulatory

  • Sports betting regulation
  • iGaming regulation
  • prediction market legality
  • live event antitrust
  • gambling tax
  • data privacy sports
  • state sports betting laws
  • UK Gambling Act
  • NBA CBA
  • NHL CBA
  • SEC Form 10
  • motorsports regulations

Search Keywords Event Phrases

  • Kentucky Derby
  • Preakness Stakes
  • UFC Fight Night
  • WWE WrestleMania
  • Formula 1 Grand Prix
  • MotoGP season
  • SBC Summit
  • ICE London
  • NBA Finals
  • NHL Stanley Cup
  • Las Vegas Grand Prix
  • UFC Freedom 250
  • WrestleMania 42
  • FIFA World Cup hospitality
  • LA28 Olympic Games
  • Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn
  • F1 calendar
  • MotoGP manufacturer agreements
  • Knicks championship parade
  • Rangers centennial season
  • Knicks Rangers spin-off

Google Trend Product Category Intent

• Sports betting apps • live event tickets • fantasy sports • online casino games • F1 streaming • UFC PPV • horse racing betting • concert tickets • WWE Network • official sports data • in-play odds • sports integrity • historical racing machines • electronic table games

Google Trend Consumer Intent

• How to bet on sports • best sports odds • concert tickets near me • UFC fights tonight • F1 schedule • Kentucky Derby tickets • where to watch NBA • NFL betting tips • buy WWE tickets • Formula 1 hospitality • live event experiences

Google Trend Macro Policy Terms

• Sports betting legality • online gambling laws • live event antitrust • gambling addiction resources • data privacy laws • consumer protection gambling

Economic Data Watch

1. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — Personal Consumption Expenditures

Metric/field PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures: Services)

Cadence monthly

Why it matters Directly reflects consumer discretionary spending on services, which includes live entertainment, sports events, and gambling, all core to the theme's revenue streams.

Signal to watch Rising PCE Services indicates stronger consumer demand for theme-related offerings.

Confidence: high

2. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — Retail Sales: Total Less Motor Vehicles and Parts

Metric/field MRTSZRA (Retail Sales: Total Less Motor Vehicles and Parts, Billions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted)

Cadence monthly

Why it matters Provides a broader indicator of consumer spending health and discretionary income, influencing overall demand for sports, betting, and live event services.

Signal to watch Consistent growth in retail sales ex-autos suggests a healthy consumer environment for discretionary spending.

Confidence: high

3. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — Unemployment Rate

Metric/field UNRATE (Unemployment Rate, Percent, Seasonally Adjusted)

Cadence monthly

Why it matters Lower unemployment generally correlates with higher consumer confidence and disposable income, directly impacting spending on entertainment and betting.

Signal to watch A declining or stable low unemployment rate signals a favorable economic backdrop for the theme.

Confidence: high

4. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — University of Michigan: Consumer Sentiment Index

Metric/field UMCSENT (Consumer Sentiment Index)

Cadence monthly

Why it matters Directly measures consumer confidence, which is a key driver for discretionary spending on live events, sports, and betting activities.

Signal to watch An increasing Consumer Sentiment Index indicates growing consumer willingness to spend on non-essential goods and services.

Confidence: high

5. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — Federal Funds Effective Rate

Metric/field DFF (Federal Funds Effective Rate, Percent)

Cadence daily

Why it matters Influences borrowing costs for companies within the theme and impacts overall economic activity, indirectly affecting consumer discretionary spending.

Signal to watch Stable or decreasing rates can support economic growth and consumer spending, while rising rates may signal caution.

Confidence: high

Free Alt Data Watch

1. Google Trends — Web Search Interest

Metric/field Normalized Search Index for 'sports betting', 'concert tickets', 'UFC', 'Formula 1', 'FanDuel', 'DraftKings' (combined or individual terms)

Cadence weekly

Why it matters Indicates real-time public interest and potential demand for sports betting, live events, and major sports brands, correlating with engagement and revenue potential.

Signal to watch Sustained or increasing search interest suggests growing public engagement and market demand.

Confidence: high

2. Twitter/X (or other major social media platforms) — Social Media Engagement

Metric/field Mentions and Sentiment Score for @FanDuel, @DraftKings, @UFC, @F1, @Ticketmaster (or other key theme brands/leagues)

Cadence daily

Why it matters Provides real-time insights into fan sentiment, brand perception, and buzz around major events and betting platforms, influencing user acquisition and retention.

Signal to watch Increasing positive sentiment and mentions indicate strong brand health and fan engagement.

Confidence: medium

3. App Store / Google Play Store (via free tracking tools like AppAnnie Free Tier) — App Store Rankings and Downloads

Metric/field App Store Rank (e.g., within Sports or Entertainment categories) for 'FanDuel Sportsbook', 'DraftKings Sportsbook', 'BetMGM Casino', 'Ticketmaster', 'UFC' official apps

Cadence daily

Why it matters Directly reflects the popularity and adoption of key sports betting, iGaming, and live event apps, indicating user acquisition and market share trends.

Signal to watch Improving or consistently high app rankings and download trends suggest strong user interest and platform growth.

Confidence: high

4. Nielsen / Official Sports League Reports (as reported by sports media) — Live Sports Viewership Data

Metric/field Average Live Viewership (e.g., Nielsen ratings) for major sports league broadcasts (e.g., NFL, NBA, UFC, F1 events)

Cadence weekly/event_driven

Why it matters Directly impacts media rights values and the overall engagement with sports content, which drives betting interest and sponsorship opportunities.

Signal to watch Consistent or increasing viewership numbers indicate strong fan engagement and content value.

Confidence: high

5. Official Ticketing Websites (e.g., Ticketmaster.com, AXS.com, team/venue sites) — Event Ticket Availability

Metric/field Event Sell-Out Status (e.g., 'Sold Out', 'Limited Availability', 'Tickets Available') for major concerts and sports events

Cadence daily/event_driven

Why it matters Provides a direct, real-time indicator of demand for live experiences, reflecting consumer willingness to spend on events.

Signal to watch A high frequency of 'Sold Out' or 'Limited Availability' status for events signals robust demand for live entertainment.

Confidence: high

Paid Alt Data Watch

1. Placer.ai — Venue Analytics

Metric/field Daily/Weekly Foot Traffic Count to specified sports arenas, concert venues, and casino properties (e.g., Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena, Churchill Downs Racetrack)

Cadence weekly/event_driven

Why it matters Directly measures physical attendance at key live event and gaming locations, validating reported attendance figures and indicating real-world demand for in-person experiences.

Signal to watch Consistent or increasing foot traffic, especially on event days, indicates strong consumer demand for live entertainment and gaming.

Confidence: high

2. Similarweb / Comscore — Web Traffic & Engagement Data

Metric/field Monthly Unique Visitors (MUV) and Average Session Duration (minutes) for specified sports betting and iGaming domains/apps (e.g., FanDuel.com, DraftKings.com, BetMGM.com)

Cadence monthly

Why it matters Provides granular insights into user activity, engagement, and stickiness for online betting and gaming platforms, reflecting user acquisition and retention success.

Signal to watch Increasing MUV and average session duration suggest growing user base and strong platform engagement.

Confidence: high

3. Earnest Research / Facteus — Credit Card Transaction Data

Metric/field Year-over-Year % Change in aggregated consumer spend on 'Online Gambling' and 'Live Entertainment' merchant categories (e.g., SIC codes for gambling, sports promoters, concert promoters)

Cadence weekly/monthly

Why it matters Offers a direct, anonymized view of actual consumer spending patterns on theme-relevant activities, providing a robust indicator of market growth and consumer behavior.

Signal to watch Positive and accelerating year-over-year growth in spending indicates strong market expansion and consumer participation.

Confidence: high

4. Thinknum / LinkUp — Job Postings Data

Metric/field Total active job postings count containing keywords 'Sports Betting', 'iGaming', 'Live Events', 'Sports Data Analyst' (across relevant companies)

Cadence weekly

Why it matters Signals industry expansion, investment in new technologies/markets, and talent demand, providing a forward-looking indicator of growth and strategic focus.

Signal to watch A rising trend in job postings indicates industry growth and companies' confidence in future expansion.

Confidence: medium

5. Refinitiv Eikon / Bloomberg Terminal — News and Social Media Sentiment Analysis

Metric/field Composite News and Social Media Sentiment Score (e.g., on a 0-100 scale) for specified theme constituents (e.g., GENI, SRAD, FLUT, DKNG, LYV, TKO)

Cadence daily

Why it matters Provides a quantitative measure of market perception and public opinion, which can influence investor confidence and consumer behavior towards theme companies.

Signal to watch Consistently high or improving sentiment scores indicate positive market perception and potential for stronger business performance.

Confidence: medium

Upcoming Catalysts22 rows
Catalyst IDEstimated TimingEstimated Date StartEstimated Date EndCatalystWhy It MattersTicker Or Theme SpecificTranscript DateSource TypeCatalyst Source
FWONK_951e4945later this year2026-08-062026-12-31Opening of a new structure at Turn 1 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.This increases premium hospitality capacity at the Austin Grand Prix, enhancing the fan experience and contributing to higher hospitality revenue.Ticker2026-08-06earnings_transcriptFWONK (ticker)
FWONK_8f345a79later this year2026-08-062026-12-31Expansion of the F1 flagship retail concept to Monza, Madrid, and Austin.This broadens F1's retail footprint and product offerings, driving licensing revenue and enhancing fan engagement in key markets.Ticker2026-08-06earnings_transcriptFWONK (ticker)
SRAD_0bd8fc36early next month2026-09-012026-09-15Completion of Sportradar's $250 million enhanced open market share repurchase program.This demonstrates management's continued commitment to returning capital to shareholders and signals confidence in the company's valuation and long-term prospects.Ticker2026-08-03earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_3563ae10with the U.S. open, but also with the start of the NBA season2026-08-262026-10-28Sportradar will roll out a special low-latency data feed optimized for prediction market makers, starting with the U.S. Open and the NBA season.This new product leverages Sportradar's deep data and technical abilities to provide high-value, low-latency information crucial for market makers, opening new revenue streams within the prediction markets.Ticker2026-08-03earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_885edbb1the majority of the meaningful revenue and cost synergies we anticipate as we integrate IMG's portfolio of rights will be recognized in 2026.2026-01-012026-12-31Realization of the majority of revenue and cost synergies from the IMG Arena acquisition.Achievement of these synergies is crucial for Sportradar to meet its 2026 guidance of 23-25% revenue growth and 250 bps margin expansion, validating the acquisition and impacting profitability.Ticker2025-11-06earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_2662eeebup in early '272026-02-272027-01-31Renewal and potential expansion of Sportradar's sports rights contract with UEFA.Securing this key content deal is vital for maintaining Sportradar's competitive position and revenue streams, with expansion potentially driving incremental revenue and strengthening its product portfolio.Ticker2025-11-06earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_1a132792for the World Cup and tennis later this year2026-06-012026-12-31Expansion of Sportradar's generative AI foundation model to soccer (for the World Cup) and tennis.Leverages advanced AI to enhance product offerings, potentially creating new revenue streams and strengthening competitive advantage in data analytics and visualizations.Ticker2026-03-03earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_b6aaf1bcat the moment, test period2026-02-272027-12-31Sportradar's strategic decision and execution to expand its iGaming offerings into scalable markets, potentially through organic investment or M&A.Successful expansion into iGaming could open a significant new revenue stream and diversify Sportradar's business, leveraging its existing client relationships and technology.Ticker2025-11-06earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
SRAD_8677fe0bcurrent uncertainty regarding state versus federal regulation2026-02-272026-12-31Development of clear regulatory frameworks for prediction markets in the U.S. and potential acceleration of traditional sports betting legalization in new states.Regulatory clarity could unlock new revenue opportunities for Sportradar by enabling its participation in prediction markets and expanding its core business through broader sports betting legalization.Theme2025-11-06earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
TKO_0c5d4515September 122026-09-122026-09-12TKO's next super fight featuring Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.This event contributes to the growth of Zuffa Boxing, TKO's next significant combat sports asset, and generates revenue through media rights and potential financial incentive packages.Ticker2026-08-03earnings_transcriptTKO (ticker)
LYV_c1996cfebetween mid-September and mid-October 2026, after the public comment period closes on September 4, 20262026-09-152026-10-31Judge's decision on the Department of Justice (DOJ) settlement regarding Live Nation/Ticketmaster.This decision is crucial for determining the future operational and structural requirements for Live Nation, potentially leading to remedies or changes in its business practices.Ticker2026-05-05earnings_transcriptLYV (ticker)
SRAD_699f5a0cend of September in Lisbon at the SBC2026-09-252026-09-30Sportradar will officially launch and present its new iGaming business, Playradar, at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, with Michael Jordan on stage.This marks the formal public launch of a new growth pillar, expected to create differentiated entertainment experiences and expand the addressable market by connecting live sports betting and iGaming.Ticker2026-08-03earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
TKO_9fb492d6remainder of 20262026-10-012026-12-31Successful execution of remaining 2026 UFC and WWE events in the Middle East, including a WWE Premium Live Event and a UFC numbered event.These events validate partner commitments and confirm significant, high-margin revenue streams from Financial Incentive Packages (FIPs), contributing to TKO's overall revenue and EBITDA growth.Ticker2026-08-03earnings_transcriptTKO (ticker)
FWONK_364bbc06in Malaysia in October2026-10-012026-10-31The rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Malaysia, increasing the 2026 F1 race count to 23.This adds a race to the F1 calendar, directly contributing to higher race promotion, media rights, and sponsorship revenues for the year.Ticker2026-08-06earnings_transcriptFWONK (ticker)
MSGS_aa438ecathis upcoming season2026-10-012026-10-31Commencement of the NHL's new 12-year media rights agreement with Rogers Communications.This agreement will result in a step-up in average annual value for Canadian media rights, leading to an increase in MSGS's share of these fees and contributing to revenue growth.Ticker2026-08-12earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
MSGS_3766977bby the end of October2026-10-012026-10-31Completion of the proposed spin-off of the Rangers business from the Knicks business.This transaction would create two distinct publicly traded companies, enabling shareholders to more clearly evaluate each company's assets and growth prospects and providing enhanced strategic and financial flexibility.Ticker2026-08-12earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
MSGS_5ffe442ain October2026-10-012026-10-31Special banner raising celebration for the Knicks to tip-off the season as defending champions.This event capitalizes on the Knicks' championship momentum, expected to drive increased fan enthusiasm, media attention, and tailwinds across ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships for fiscal 2027.Ticker2026-08-12earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
MSGS_e8efb022the 26, 27 season2026-10-012026-10-31NHL's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) becomes effective.The new CBA will impact the Rangers' schedule (one more regular season home game, one fewer preseason home game) and is expected to result in higher revenue sharing expense due to a changed calculation, affecting financial results.Ticker2026-08-12earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
SRAD_38c5267e2027 MLB season2026-10-012027-03-31Potential lockout for the 2027 MLB season.Could impact Sportradar's content availability and associated revenue, although management expects limited impact due to replacement content and contract provisions.Ticker2026-03-03earnings_transcriptSRAD (ticker)
MSGS_16a82d2din November2026-11-012026-11-30Rangers' 100th anniversary capstone game at Madison Square Garden against the Montreal Canadiens.This centennial celebration is a significant milestone that is expected to drive increased fan engagement, merchandise sales, and sponsorship activation, contributing to revenue.Ticker2026-08-12earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
MSGS_a9f27ae2in November2026-11-012026-11-30The New York Rangers will hold their 100th anniversary capstone game, culminating their centennial season celebration.This event is expected to drive fan engagement, merchandise sales, and potentially marketing revenue, building on the positive momentum seen throughout the centennial season.Ticker2026-02-05earnings_transcriptMSGS (ticker)
FWONK_dbec1dfcfollowing the race on Saturday night2026-11-212026-11-21F1 Afterparty concept featuring the Back Street Boys at the Sphere following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.This adds a new premium entertainment offering to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, enhancing the event's appeal and potentially driving additional revenue and fan engagement.Ticker2026-08-06earnings_transcriptFWONK (ticker)

Constituents

  • TKOT13.0%
    TKO Group Holdings, Inc.
  • Churchill Downs Incorporated
  • Liberty Media Corporation
  • LYVT2
    Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
  • Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
  • Sportradar Group AG
  • BET.AUT3
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  • BETS-B.STT3
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  • CZRT3
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  • DKNGT3
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  • ENT.LSET3
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  • FDJU.PAT3
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  • FLUTT3
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  • GENIT3
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  • KAMBI.STT3
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  • MGMT3
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  • PENNT3
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  • RSIT3
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  • SGHCT3
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