Img Arena Extends With MLS

IMG Arena, the UK-based sports data and technology supplier, has extended its partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS).

The deal will see IMG Arena work with MLS NEXT Pro, US soccer’s third-tier, to provide player tracking data.

The extended agreement means that IMG Arena will integrate its platform to provide player and ball tracking data to enhance performance analysis. The data points collected will include players’ total running distances, speed zones, sprints and separation between players, among others.

IMG Arena will also provide tracking data of match officials to enable the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) to support ‘on-going efforts to develop the next generation of referees in North America.’

The event tracking technology that will be utilised was integrated into IMG Arena’s data collection capabilities through its acquisition of Signality in 2022. The tech uses computer vision to extract highly accurate sports event and tracking data in real-time, utilising existing camera setups to derive positional data and event information automatically.

The deal follows IMG Arena’s long-term, global partnership to deliver the next generation of fan engagement in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro, which was announced last year.

Alongside its role as the league’s official data partner, IMG Arena works with the league to deliver content solutions, next-generation fan analytics, and marketing tools to MLS’ betting and media partners, including the launch of three new MLS live data feeds, designed to enhance the fan experience.

Ali Curtis, Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations at MLS NEXT Pro, said, “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.”

“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.”

Freddie Longe, President of IMG ARENA, said, “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.”