US tech firm completes StatsBomb acquisition

Sports data provider StatsBomb has been acquired by US-based sports technology and data firm Hudl.

Hudl, which provides cloud-based technology connecting video and data for the sports industry, has described the move as an opportunity to bolster its professional suite with ‘advanced data analytics’ and enable ‘deeper actionable insights for football and American football teams.’

Hudl’s integrated suite of video and data features software, AI cameras, wearables and services serving 230,000 sports teams across more than 40 sports, from grassroots to professional leagues.

Founded as a blog in 2013, StatsBomb has grown into a global data business, offering advanced sports data services for football and, more recently, American football. 

Based in Bath, the company started as an analytics blog and initially progressed to consulting on data-driven recruitment and performance analysis for professional teams.

Today, its data collection, live data capabilities and visualisation platform helps analysts and teams make better informed decisions. 

StatsBomb expanded its data analysis into American football in 2022, a sector that will form a key part of the Hudl relationship, pairing ‘detailed in-game athlete data with video’.

StatsBomb CEO and Co-founder Ted Knutson announced on X last week that the company’s annual revenues have reached £10m ahead of the sale.

John Wirtz, Hudl Chief Product Officer, commented, “At Hudl, we know coaches and analysts demand the highest quality video and data. And that’s why we’re building the world’s most advanced data and video platform. Together with StatsBomb, we’re unlocking more workflows with deeper team and player data. I’m excited our customers will have access to this critical data in one platform to improve the performance of their teams and change the way they see the game.”

Ted Knutson, added, “This deal reinforces StatsBomb’s commitment and belief in the power of data in sport. We know data driven teams make better decisions on and off the field of play. Pairing StatsBomb’s unique data and statistical models with Hudl’s video capabilities will enable superior match analysis, scouting, and player recruitment. By bringing StatsBomb into Hudl’s suite of best-in-class products and services, we’re helping sporting organizations streamline how they uncover immediate actionable insights.”