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IMG ARENA has secured the global data and streaming rights for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and been appointed as its official integrity partner.
The exclusive multi-year deal will see the technology supplier deliver data from over 161 NWSL and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup games each season for its network – which contains around 460 sportsbook operators – and distribute live streaming for betting.
Andrew Turner, Commercial Partnerships Manager – Americas, IMG ARENA, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with the world’s premier women’s soccer league to help grow the NWSL’s global reach and engage fans with a front-row seat to every moment of the action.
“With last season’s record-breaking attendance, new Utah and Bay Area franchises set to join in 2024, and a new-format Challenge Cup, the NWSL is one of the most exciting properties in global sports and a fantastic addition to our expanding US soccer portfolio.”
Furthermore, as the league’s official integrity partner, IMG ARENA will also provide the league with full monitoring services in order to safeguard competitions and tournaments.
The 11th NWSL season kicked off on 25 March after what was reported as a record-breaking 2022 season that saw more than one million fans attend games for the first time in the league’s history.
“As the NWSL continues to grow on and off the field, delivering new opportunities to further engage with our teams and players is critical to unlocking our potential as an entertainment business,” added NWSL Chief Revenue Officer, Mitch Poll.
“This new partnership is a key step in increasing the value add of our league and we are excited to work alongside IMG ARENA as we continue enhancing the fan experience for NWSL fans and sports enthusiasts alike.”
The company has this month further strengthened its sports betting and gaming capabilities, announcing that its acquisition of Leap Gaming has been fully completed.
The sports data and technology supplier first secured terms to acquire Leap back in December 2022 for an undisclosed sum, which has still not been confirmed, after making an initial investment in the firm in 2018.
With the takeover now complete, IMG has set out to combine 3D motion capture technology and products with its rightsholder clients’ official IP to ‘unlock new revenue streams’.
