EFL Digital Announces New Partnerships

19 Jul 2016 | tshego

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EFL Digital (formerly Football League Interactive FLi) has announced the dual appointment of Realise and NeuLion as its new long-term digital partners.

Following one of the most comprehensive procurement processes in the history of the English Football League (EFL), in which over 175 digital agencies expressed an interest, the final two have now been selected for a contract that will run until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Realise, a UK based digital agency, will be tasked with the design and development of EFL Digital’s club web and mobile sites as well as implementing the Episerver content management system (CMS). The new system will provide a digital platform that serves the needs of both fans and clubs.

The streaming, merchandising and payment services will be provided by US company NeuLion, who offer online video delivery and have sporting clients such as the NFL, Euroleague, NBA and UFC. NeuLion also has experience working in the football industry with the Premier League and Major League Soccer.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “In Realise and NeuLion we have two of the world’s leading digital companies with whom we can form a productive partnership to drive additional value for our clubs and produce a series of digital products we can all be proud of.

“Both companies understand the unique and varied challenges we continue to be faced with and throughout this extensive RFP process they have consistently demonstrated they have the skills, expertise and knowledge to deliver against EFL Digital’s objectives.

“The end user, the fans of our clubs are very much where their collective focus lies and a proven track record, a flexible approach to platform delivery and significant experience in video straming means we are not only confident in the proposed technical solution but also how it will perform commercially.”

Roy Reichbach, president and CEO of NeuLion added: “NeuLion has become the market leader specialising in the broadcasting, distribution and monetisation of live and on-demand digital video content to Internet-enabled devices.

“We are delighted to partner with the EFL so that we can bring to their clubs and fans, the same level of experience we provide fans of the NFL, NBA, UFC, and others.”

“The EFL is one of the oldest competitions in the world of football and NeuLion is excited to be the technology that will enable this next generation fan experience.”

Fiona Proudler, managing director of Realise concluded: “The EFL is an organisation we are fiercely proud to now be supporting. As one of its new long term digital agency partners, we share a common goal with the EFL – to support the needs of the clubs, the fans and the football community effectively and to take that responsibility seriously.

“Football ignites passion and we feel privileged and delighted at the prospect of working together to deliver digital best of breed solutions with the EFL, its member clubs, sponsors and key partners.”