# Use Novig market data with Claude

> Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Novig.

Canonical: https://novigapi.com/use-with-claude
Facts checked: 2026-11-12

To use Novig data in Claude, add the MCP server https://novigapi.com/api/mcp with an Authorization: Bearer nv_ header: one command in Claude Code, or a small config block in Claude Desktop. Claude then gets tools for markets, props, line history, fair price and devig. Checked 12 Nov 2026, the server speaks MCP versions up to 2025-06-18. (Source: [novigapi.com: MCP server reference](https://novigapi.com/docs/endpoints/mcp))

The novigapi.com MCP server lets Claude read Novig markets directly instead of guessing. It is stateless JSON-RPC over HTTP POST and authenticates with your `nv_` key in the `Authorization` header. It is read-only: Claude can look up prices and history, never place a trade.

Tools Claude gets

| Tool | Use |
| --- | --- |
| get_markets, get_market, get_events | Markets with bids, asks and fair prices by league, event, type, player or team; one market; games |
| get_player_props, get_players, get_teams, get_leagues | Every prop line for one player, and the slugs and codes other tools take |
| get_line_history, get_line_moves, get_trades, get_ohlc_daily | How a market's price moved today, recorded moves and steam, fills, daily candles |
| fair_price, get_orderbook | Fair price with the formula for one market; the full book |
| get_results, get_clv | Settled markets and closing prices |
| devig | Devig any set of prices, Novig or not (no key, no credits) |
| search, fetch | Find and read players, teams, leagues and markets by name or id (no key, no credits) |


## Claude Code

Claude Code connects to remote HTTP MCP servers natively. Add the server with one command, keeping the key in an environment variable:

```bash
export NOVIGAPI_API_KEY=nv_...
claude mcp add --transport http novigapi https://novigapi.com/api/mcp \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer $NOVIGAPI_API_KEY"
```

To share the setup with a team without sharing a key, put a `.mcp.json` at the project root. Claude Code expands environment variables in it, so each person supplies their own `NOVIGAPI_API_KEY`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "novigapi": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://novigapi.com/api/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${NOVIGAPI_API_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Run `claude mcp list` to check the connection, or type `/mcp` inside a session to see the server and its tools.

## Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop's config file starts local servers. To reach a remote server that needs a header, run the `mcp-remote` bridge through `npx` (Node.js 18 or later). Open Settings, then Developer, then Edit Config, and add:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "novigapi": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://novigapi.com/api/mcp",
        "--header",
        "Authorization:${NOVIGAPI_AUTH}"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NOVIGAPI_AUTH": "Bearer nv_..."
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Replace `nv_...` with your key and restart Claude Desktop. The header value sits in `env` rather than in the argument list because some systems split arguments on spaces; `Authorization:${NOVIGAPI_AUTH}` has none. The tools then appear in the tools menu of a new chat.

Claude's custom connectors (Settings, then Connectors) are built around OAuth sign-in. Our server uses a bearer key, so use the config file above instead of a connector.

## Example prompts

- "What is Novig's fair price on Cooper Flagg over 1.5 steals tonight, and how wide is the spread?"
- "List every NBA player prop on Novig where the fair price moved more than 3 points today."
- "Devig -120 / +100 and compare it with Novig's fair price on the same line."
- "Pull Jonathan Taylor's Novig rushing yards ladder and chart fair price by line."
- "Write a Python script that saves tonight's NBA Novig board to CSV every minute."

Claude passes your request as `user_request` with each data call; we store that sentence to decide what to build next. Leave secrets and personal data out of prompts.

## How Claude uses the tools

A typical answer takes two or three calls. Asked about a player's line, Claude calls `search` or `get_player_props` to find the market, then `fair_price` or `get_line_history` for detail. Every result carries `meta.observed_at` and `meta.source_age_seconds`, so Claude can say how old a price is instead of presenting it as live. Prices come back as probabilities from 0 to 1; ask for American odds if you prefer them, and Claude converts them.

For research that spans many markets, such as a whole slate, ask Claude Code to write a script against the REST API instead of making dozens of tool calls. It is faster, uses fewer credits per row and leaves you a file you can rerun.

## Credits and limits

Each tool call costs what the matching REST call costs: `get_markets` 1 credit per 100 rows requested, `get_line_history` 5 credits per 100 rows. `devig`, `search`, `fetch` and `tools/list` are free. Data tools unlock once the account's setup questions are answered; Claude can do that with `get_onboarding_questions` and `answer_onboarding`. When a limit is hit, Claude receives the 429 body as the tool result, including what to tell you and the upgrade or $9 top-up link, and nothing is charged automatically. The Free plan's 100 monthly credits cover a few dozen questions; Developer at $49/mo has 10,000.

## Troubleshooting

- **401 INVALID_API_KEY:** the header is missing or the key was revoked. Check `Bearer ` with a space, then the key.
- **Tools do not appear in Desktop:** confirm `npx` runs in a terminal, then read Claude Desktop's MCP log for the server.
- **Stale-looking prices:** every result carries `meta.observed_at` and `meta.source_age_seconds`. Paid-plan data is at most about 10 seconds old; ask Claude to show those fields.
- **Claude answers without calling a tool:** name the source, for example "use novigapi to get...".

## Questions

### Does Claude need a Novig account for this?

No. Claude uses your novigapi.com key and reads Novig's public market data. It cannot trade.

### Can I use the free plan with Claude?

Yes. Free includes 100 credits a month and 20 requests a minute, enough to try the tools.

### Does it work in claude.ai in the browser?

Browser connectors expect OAuth sign-in, and this server uses a bearer key, so use Claude Code or Claude Desktop with the config on this page.

### Can Claude place bets on Novig through this?

No. The server is read-only market data.

## Sources

- [novigapi.com: MCP server reference](https://novigapi.com/docs/endpoints/mcp)
- [Claude Code docs: Connect to tools via MCP](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/mcp)
- [mcp-remote on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/mcp-remote)
- [Model Context Protocol specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/specification)

---

Get a free API key: https://novigapi.com/sign-up . Docs: https://novigapi.com/docs . MCP: https://novigapi.com/api/mcp . Operated by Stunning Couches LLC. Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Novig.