Roger Hampel
Major League Soccer (MLS) has entered a groundbreaking partnership with global leaders in sports technology, Sportec Solutions, and Deltatre. This collaboration is aimed at redefining the fan experience by leveraging advanced data analytics and state-of-the-art technology to bring enhanced data feeds from all MLS matches to viewers across North America, powering Apple’s MLS Season Pass and propelling the league's growth both on and off the pitch.
Announced on March 2, 2023, this strategic alliance underscores MLS's commitment to innovation and its vision to lead the way in utilizing data and technology to enrich the soccer viewing experience. Sportec Solutions is set to provide comprehensive services including the collection, storage, analysis, distribution, and analytics of live event and tracking match data. This rich dataset, covering every MLS match as well as Leagues Cup and MLS NEXTPRO games, promises to deliver an unmatched level of engagement for fans, offering insights and statistics previously unavailable.
The collaboration with Sportec Solutions and Deltatre heralds a new era for MLS, making use of Tracab’s next-generation 4K cameras to capture real-time skeletal tracking data across all stadiums. This initiative, building on a global data distribution partnership launched last year with IMG Arena, will see the creation of a novel system for capturing and analyzing match data, enriching the league's broadcasts and coaching tools with an unparalleled depth of video and statistical information.
This technological advance is poised to offer fans new and immersive ways to follow their favorite teams and players, with stats and visualizations such as attacking zones, Expected Goals (xG), player speed, match momentum, and more. These enhancements, continually developed throughout the season, aim to deepen fans' understanding of the game and increase their engagement with the content available on Apple’s MLS Season Pass.
At the heart of this initiative is a shared ambition to forge a deeper connection between the league and its audience by utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide a next-generation viewing experience. The partnership enables the integration of advanced graphics, data visualizations, and optical player tracking, ensuring that fans have access to comprehensive and insightful analysis that enhances their enjoyment of the game.
The agreement with Sportec Solutions forms part of MLS Emerging Ventures' ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships that drive growth and fan engagement. Chris Schlosser, MLS SVP of Emerging Ventures, emphasized the league's dedication to leveraging technology and data to bring fans closer to the action, enhancing their experience with unique insights and innovative presentation.
Andrea Marini, CEO at Deltatre and Sportec Solutions board member, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership, highlighting Deltatre's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the viewing experience. Christian Holzer, Managing Director at Sportec Solutions, also celebrated the partnership, noting the significance of MLS selecting Sportec Solutions to provide these advanced data services.
As Major League Soccer kicks off its 28th season, this partnership not only positions MLS as a leader in sports innovation but also aligns with the growing momentum behind soccer in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With a focus on delivering a fan-first experience through technological excellence and innovative data use, MLS is setting a new standard for how sports leagues can engage with and captivate their audiences in the digital age.
Source: MLS
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