London, Munich & New York (March 2, 2023) — MLS announced an agreement with sports technology leaders Sportec Solutions and Deltatre to create next generation enhanced data feeds from all MLS matches to power Apple’s MLS Season Pass, and fuel League growth on and off the field.
Sportec Solutions will provide and integrate advanced gathering, storage, analysis, distribution and analytics of live event and tracking match data which will be used by MLS and its clubs, creating an unprecedented dataset from every MLS, Leagues Cup and MLS NEXTPRO match. This cutting-edge data will provide fans watching on MLS Season Pass, the new global streaming service available on the Apple TV app that launched earlier this month, with more engaging information for fans than ever before.
The initiative builds on the global data distribution partnership which MLS launched with IMG Arena last year and will create a new system to capture and analyze data from MLS fields of play. The 2023 MLS season will have more data and statistics available than ever before. To generate this new data MLS will utilize 12 of Tracab’s next generation 4K cameras to capture real-time skeletal tracking data from every stadium. This information will be analyzed in the cloud and then provided to fans via MLS Broadcasts and to MLS coaches who will have an unmatched level of video and data to enhance their players and club’s capabilities on the field. IMG Arena will distribute this data to media, technology and sports betting companies around the globe.
The Sportec Solutions and Deltatre partnership will enable MLS to provide new stats and visualizations like attacking zones, Expected Goals, player speed, match momentum, entries into the attacking third, passing efficiency, and shot efficiency over the course of the season. Additional new stats will be continually developed throughout the season and presented to fans viewing matches on Apple’s MLS Season Pass. Deltatre, the sports technology company will be responsible for bringing Sportec Solutions’ next-gen metrics to screen through advanced graphics and data visualizations.
This new data system furthers MLS’ position as the most innovative league in soccer. With a shared vision of producing cutting-edge technology solutions mixed with innovative applications, the MLS - Sportec Solutions partnership forges a deeper connection with fans by providing unprecedented data capabilities. From comprehensive analysis of players and teams to coaches and technical staff, the ability to integrate state-of-the-art data visualization technology, optical player tracking, and enhanced metrics into matches on streams and broadcasts is part of the enhanced viewing experience for fans.
The multi-year agreement with Sportec Solutions is the latest initiative of MLS Emerging Ventures, which builds strategic partnerships and enables new capabilities with the goal of continuing to grow the League’s fanbase and engage fans in new ways.
“Major League Soccer continues to be at the forefront of utilizing data and technology to positively enhance the fan experience by providing unique insights that bring fans closer to the game,” said Chris Schlosser, MLS SVP of Emerging Ventures. “By partnering with Sportec Solutions and Deltatre, we will continue to push the envelope with what is possible when you combine ground-breaking technology with a progressive approach to data to provide our tech-savvy fans a reimagined next-generation experience.”
"Having partnered with MLS since 2021, we are thrilled to expand our remit and work in tandem with our subsidiary, Sportec Solutions, to deliver industry-leading data services for one of the world’s most forward-thinking soccer leagues, as they begin a new cycle with Apple TV.” said Andrea Marini, CEO at Deltatre and Sportec Solutions board member. “At Deltatre, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the viewing experience, and this appointment highlights the power of our collective expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to excellence.”
“We are delighted to partner with MLS as the official data creation provider,” said Christian Holzer, Managing Director at Sportec Solutions. “It is testament to the quality of our data and analysis capabilities that MLS has chosen us to provide these services, and we are excited to align with them and provide the League with complete control of their own data and technology roadmap.”
The announcement of the partnership between MLS and Sportec Solutions arrives during a period of tremendous momentum behind the sport of soccer in North America, as Major League Soccer enters its 28th season this month and the excitement continues to build on the path to the 2026 World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
About Major League Soccer (MLS)
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer — celebrating its 28th season in 2023 — features 29 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including 2023 expansion team St. Louis CITY SC. All MLS, Leagues Cup,and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.
About Deltatre
Deltatre is the global leader in fan-first video experiences. Named in Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2020’, Deltatre’s market-leading product and services portfolio has helped redefine the way the world consumes sport, media and entertainment by offering specialist innovations in over-the-top streaming, websites and apps, graphics, data, officiating systems, user experience, and product design. Over its 37-year history, the company has grown to employ more than 1,000 staff who are globally distributed across its hubs in 18 key cities. Deltatre powers MLSSoccer.com and MLS Club websites in a partnership that started in 2021.
About Sportec Solutions
As a joint venture between Deltatre and DFL Group, headquartered in Munich, Sportec Solutions develops next-gen solutions in the fields of match data and sports technology. It delivers products and solutions that enable international sports properties to truly maximize the potential of their owned data ecosystems. Sportec Solutions offers the most advanced gathering, storage, analysis, distribution, and analytics of live match data to clubs, licensees, partners, and clients. It also collaborates with renowned companies and scientific institutions to enhance its product development through expanded data processing.
PR Contacts
Major League Soccer
Angela Alfano
Deltatre
Will Dale
