Premier League Scores Data Deal

The Premier League has announced a new partnership with sports technology and analytics company Kitman Labs.

The partnership will see the Dublin-based Kitman Labs provide all Premier League and EFL club Academies with a centralised, fully integrated ‘Football Intelligence Platform’ designed to ‘aggregate and mobilise player and staff data across coaching, medical, sports science, operations, player care and education.’

Data for academy players will be centralised in one platform – providing participants and coaching staff with ‘a comprehensive, unified and real-time view of players’ medical, performance, training and development profiles.’ 

The platform will form part of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), which has been introduced to enhance the pipeline of homegrown talent for the professional game, as well as ensuring academies provide a holistic experience for young players to develop on and off the pitch.

The Football Intelligence Platform will also provide clubs with the ability to track and support players’ progress in their social, educational and cognitive development and will help serve as a holistic record for each player.

The platform will be supported by dedicated staff and a player app.

Stephen Smith, Kitman Labs Founder and CEO, said, “Data’s value can only be realised when it’s consistent, accurate, pervasive and directly aligned with the fundamental operating and performance objectives of the league or club.

“The Football Intelligence Platform has been developed to aggregate and leverage all data sources in a single platform to ultimately drive collaboration across the organisations, eliminate information silos and provide actionable intelligence. That intelligence will be used specifically to systemise talent development and player pathways as well as support and validate data-led decision-making related to coaching methodology, best practices and policies.”

Tony Scholes, Chief Football Officer at the Premier League, added, “The EPPP aims to create unrivalled development environments where every young person is supported to maximise their potential on and off the pitch. Innovation and insights are key elements of this work, to ensure we are informed and evidence-led in our decision making.

“This partnership represents a significant development in how clubs and the Premier League can use data to support elite player development and personal growth across all club academies. Through this first-of-its-kind strategic partnership, we and our clubs will have access to world-leading technology and support, equipping us with the tools and knowledge to help the development of players.”

Kitman Labs continues to build out its client portfolio in sport, predominantly in the US. The Premier League joins NFL, NBA, MLS and NCAA on its roster.