Genius Sports to power Premier League’s new offside tech

Sports data and technology company Genius Sports has been appointed as the Premier League’s semi-automated officiating supplier.

The news comes days ahead of the Premier League returning for the 2024/25 campaign, where it will introduce semi-automated offside decision-making for the first time.

The tech has already featured in Uefa and Fifa tournaments, including the recent Uefa European Championships in Germany, but will not be introduced into the Premier League until at least October.

The semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be powered by GeniusIQ, Genius Sports’ new AI and data platform.

The technology will provide AI-generated digital twins to players, enabling ‘quick and precise’ offside decisions. Those images can then be shown in stadia and via broadcasters.

The process will still not be fully automated, with referees still required to decide a number of other variable factors, including whether players are ‘involved in play’.

The proprietary Genius Sports computer vision system will be installed in every Premier League stadium.

Tony Scholes, Premier League Chief Football Officer, said, “The introduction of semi-automated offside is an important move to maintain the flow of the game in the Premier League. We are confident that by using the newest and most accurate technology available we will see the time taken for offside decisions reduced significantly alongside a consistent application of the offside lines. The experience for all participants including supporters will also be enhanced through quicker communication and clearer imagery around offside decisions.”

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, added, “I am thrilled that Genius Sports is now the Premier League’s Semi-Automated Officiating supplier. This is a seismic moment for our business, as we bring our unique AI and data platform GeniusIQ to the world’s most watched league. This partnership builds on our track-record of delivering game-changing technology for the world’s biggest leagues.”

The deal strengthens Genius Sports’ long-term relationship with the Premier League. It is the optical tracking partner to English football’s top-flight, and partners with Premier League Productions to power the Premier League Data Zone, a data-driven broadcast mode including live tracking insights and statistics.