SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
IMG Arena has extended its partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) to now provide player and ball tracking data to MLS Next Pro.
The platform will collect data for player performance analysis using its ‘deep tech, cloud-based’ platform for MLS Next Pro – classified as part of the third tier of the US football system.
Freddie Longe, President of IMG Arena, commented: “This expanded partnership means we’re able to provide MLS Next Pro with an all-encompassing data collection system.
“Adding compelling ball tracking data and player analysis will provide enhanced performance insights, on top of our next-generation fan engagement analytics and innovative content solutions which are empowering the future MLS universe.”
In detail, the data will provide each players’ total running distance, speed zones, sprints, distance between players and more. Information will also be collected on match officials to be sent to the Professional Referee Organisation (PRO), to help with training purposes.
“One of the areas of focus for MLS Next Pro is innovation so we are thrilled to be bringing this new player and ball tracking technology to the League,” added Ali Curtis, Senior VP of Competition and Operations at MLS Next Pro.
“IMG is continuing to create new solutions for soccer fans around the world and this is a great example of their commitment to delivering a best-in-class experience.”
From its acquisition of Signality last year, IMG Arena can now employ computer vision to extract positional data from video feeds.
Last month, IMG ARENA also secured the global data and streaming rights for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and was appointed as its official integrity partner.
The exclusive multi-year deal sees the technology supplier distribute live streaming for betting and deliver data from over 161 NWSL and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup games each season for its network – which contains around 460 sportsbook operators.
