ParlayAPI

parlayapi_live_search

Search live teams, players, and sport keys.

No API key required. Useful when the user asks for a team, player,
or league by natural-language name and the agent needs the exact
sport_key to call next.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "q": "<q>"
    },
    "name": "parlayapi_live_search"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`q`	Yes
`limit`	No

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedSep 5, 2026

TDQS

A4.2/5.0

Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It usefully states that no API key is required and that the result is meant to feed the exact sport_key into a subsequent call. It does not mention rate limits or matching behavior, but for a read-only search tool the key behavioral details are present.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three short, purposeful sentences. The main capability is front-loaded, followed by the auth note and the practical use case. There is no filler or redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple two-parameter search tool with an output schema, the description covers the what, why, and auth requirement. The main gap is the undocumented 'limit' parameter and a lack of guidance on fallback behavior if no match is found, but these are minor given the tool's simplicity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It clearly implies that 'q' accepts natural-language names for teams, players, or leagues, but it never explicitly maps parameters and says nothing about 'limit.' The parameter names are partly self-explanatory, but coverage is incomplete.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with a specific action and resource: 'Search live teams, players, and sport keys.' It also clarifies the tool's role as a natural-language resolver that supplies the exact sport_key for downstream calls, which differentiates it from sibling tools like parlayapi_list_sports and parlayapi_live_sports.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description states exactly when to use the tool: when the user refers to a team, player, or league by natural-language name and the agent needs to resolve it to a sport_key. It does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use it, but the intended context is clear enough.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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