Apple And World Surf League Launch ‘Apple at Play’ as Partnership Expands Beyond Competition

The World Surf League (WSL), the global home of surfing, and Apple has shared the launch of a new installment of Apple at Play, a content series that explores how professional sports organizations use Apple products and data to elevate athlete performance and bring fans closer to the action.

This latest Apple at Play series focuses on the WSL Championship Tour (CT) and tells the story of how Apple technology has become an integral part of the competitive surfing experience. Through behind-the-scenes access and athlete perspectives, the series explores how surfers use Apple Watch during competition, how they analyze performance data after heats, and how the technology is helping them perform at their best in one of the most dynamic and demanding sporting environments.

“We’re committed to the advancement of surfing, whether that’s through the performances of athletes in the water or the viewing experience of our fans,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO. “Our partnership with Apple and the new Apple at Play series is a great example of how we’re taking that to the next level. We’re always exploring new ways to better understand and showcase athlete performance. From giving competitors access to real-time data during competition to now integrating these insights into the broadcast, our partnership with Apple is helping fans experience the sport in a more immersive way.”

Apple Watch Data Integrated into WSL Broadcast

Since 2023, Apple Watch has served as the WSL’s Official Wearable Technology equipment, giving athletes in-competition access to real-time information, including heat scores, wave priority, and time remaining. Connected to cellular networks, this data is delivered directly to the surfer’s wrist via the specially developed WSL Surfer app, which syncs live with the WSL’s scoring system.

Earlier this year, that data went a step further, and for the first time, Apple Watch performance metrics have been integrated into the WSL broadcast, giving fans unprecedented insight into the action in the water. These new broadcast metrics include distance traveled on a wave, wave speed, and the athlete’s heart rate. This brings viewers even closer to the physical reality of competitive surfing than ever before.

“When you’re out there in a heat, every second counts. Being able to glance at my Apple Watch and instantly know my score, who has priority, and how much time is left has changed the way I compete,” said Lakey Peterson. “We’re competing where we’re sometimes far from the beach and battling the elements, so having this information is a game-changer. Now that fans can see the data too, and understand what we’re going through in real-time, it’s pretty special.”

iPhone Boosts WSL Fan Engagement

Apple has extended its collaboration with the WSL to now use iPhone to level up fan engagement. iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be used to capture content for social media and in-broadcast, showcasing Apple’s premium mobile photo and video capabilities including the 48MP Fusion cameras and 8x optical-quality zoom, in one of sport’s most challenging environments.

As a long-standing partner of the WSL, Apple has played an important role in innovating the competition experience for the league’s competitors and fans. These efforts continue to demonstrate how technology can advance sport by creating new ways for surfers, the WSL, and fans to experience surfing from the lineup, to the broadcast, and beyond.

Arctos Sports, RVX and Magellan Partner to Launch National Sports-Anchored Development Platform

Arctos, an investing business in KKR Solutions that seeks to partner with exceptional leaders in sports to help them grow and unlock their vision have announced a strategic partnership with RVX Ventures (“RVX”), a real estate development platform specializing in mixed-use entertainment districts, and Magellan Development Group (“Magellan”), a national leader in urban mixed-use real estate, to launch a new platform targeting the rapidly growing sports-anchored development sector.

The platform’s inaugural project is Neyland Entertainment District, a new development spanning the Tennessee River waterfront adjacent to Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (the “University”). Structured as a public-private partnership with the University, the development will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of entertainment space alongside a 24-story hotel and residences, along with a private members club, designed to enhance the gameday experience while creating a year-round destination for the Knoxville community. Arctos is the majority equity investor and is participating as a general partner alongside a sponsor team led by RVX, Magellan and Dixon Greenwood.

“Neyland Stadium is an iconic venue in college sports, and we’re grateful to the University of Tennessee for their shared vision and collaboration in bringing this dynamic entertainment district to life,” said Chad Hutchinson, Partner at Arctos. “We see significant opportunity at the convergence of live sports and real estate, and we wanted to be more than a capital provider in this space. RVX and Magellan have the track records and the operational know-how to deliver on complex projects like this, and together we can define how sports-anchored districts are conceived, built and operated.”

Universities, professional sports organizations and municipalities are increasingly seeking to transform the areas surrounding their venues into year-round destinations. Delivering these districts at scale requires significant capital, large-scale development expertise, and hands-on experience programming and operating entertainment venues, capabilities this partnership is designed to bring together under a single platform.

“We believe sports-anchored entertainment districts represent one of the most compelling opportunities in experiential real estate today,” said Taylor Gray, Principal of RVX Ventures. “With Arctos and Magellan as partners, we are building a platform with the expertise, relationships and capital needed to deliver transformative projects for universities, teams and communities across the country.”

Neyland Entertainment District is the first project for what the partners intend to be a national platform pursuing opportunities across the collegiate and professional sports landscape. The partnership’s model spans sourcing, capitalization, development and operations, allowing the team to take projects from concept through execution under a single structure. While the platform will operate at a national scale, each project is designed to reflect the identity and priorities of the community it serves.

“This project will be one of the great sports-anchored destinations in the country. It has it all: a passionate fanbase, legendary venue and a university committed to doing something transformative,” said J.R. Berger, President of Magellan Development Group. “Magellan has spent three decades reshaping neighborhoods and creating places that endure, and we’re excited to bring those same principles to the sports and entertainment space alongside RVX and Arctos. Neyland Entertainment District will set a new standard for what development adjacent to major sports assets can look like.”

“Beyond Broadcast: Why Zee 5 Sees FIFA as a Catalyst for Football’s Next Growth Phase in India”

Football’s growing popularity in India is creating new opportunities for broadcasters, brands and rights holders looking to engage one of the world’s largest sports audiences. Following its landmark acquisition of FIFA rights in India, Zee 5 is positioning itself not merely as a broadcaster of global football but as a long-term stakeholder in the sport’s development ecosystem.

In this interview with iSportConnect’s Taruka Srivastav, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer, Unite8 Sports at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., discusses how the FIFA World Cup can reshape India’s sports streaming landscape, the commercial opportunities emerging from football’s rapid growth, and why Zee 5’s eight-year partnership with FIFA is designed to extend far beyond viewership metrics. He also outlines the company’s ambitious vision of using football content to drive grassroots participation and contribute to India’s long-term World Cup aspirations.

With Zee 5 securing the FIFA World Cup rights for India, how do you see the tournament reshaping the country’s sports streaming landscape?

The FIFA World Cup represents a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s sports streaming ecosystem. Football today is no longer a niche sport and already attracts over 300 million viewers across the country. Through our partnership with FIFA, we are not just bringing a marquee global sporting event to audiences; we are building a long-term football ecosystem in India.

With 39 FIFA events over the next eight years, we are creating a consistent platform for audience growth, deeper engagement and sustained advertiser interest. The FIFA World Cup serves as the anchor property around which we are structuring a broader sports portfolio, helping establish football as a major growth engine for the future.

What makes our approach distinctive is that every Zee 5 subscriber watching football becomes a participant in the growth of the sport. We have committed 15% of Zee 5’s football-related subscription revenues towards identifying, training and uplifting young football talent from every corner of the country. Through this initiative, subscribers are not merely consuming content; they are contributing towards building the future of Indian football.

What commercial opportunities does a property as large as the FIFA World Cup create for broadcasters and brand partners in India?

The FIFA World Cup offers brands a unique opportunity to engage with highly passionate and deeply invested audiences at scale. We are witnessing strong interest from advertisers across categories. What makes the proposition particularly compelling is our ability to offer integrated solutions across both linear television and digital platforms, complemented by social engagement, fan experiences and on-ground activations.

For brands, it is not just about visibility during matches but about participating in a larger football ecosystem that delivers engagement across multiple touchpoints. The scale, consistency and long-term nature of our FIFA partnership also provide advertisers with a platform to build sustained associations with football audiences over several years rather than a single tournament cycle.

How important is digital accessibility in maximizing FIFA World Cup viewership among India’s young and mobile-first audience?

Digital accessibility is critical in ensuring that the FIFA World Cup reaches the broadest possible audience. Today’s consumers expect flexibility in how, when and where they consume content. Our approach has been to make FIFA accessible across devices, languages and geographies, ensuring that no fan is left behind.

Beyond live streaming, we are also seeing strong traction for highlights, explainers, social content and catch-up programming, enabling fans to engage with the tournament on their own terms. The timings have also enabled us to unlock a dual consumption curve through both live viewing and catch-up content. This hybrid consumption behaviour is especially relevant for younger, mobile-first audiences and has contributed to strong engagement across our platforms.

What lessons can sports platforms and broadcasters take from previous global football events to drive deeper fan engagement during the FIFA World Cup?

One of the biggest learnings is that fan engagement cannot be limited to the 90 minutes of live match action. Audiences today expect an immersive and always-on experience. That is why we have complemented live matches with studio programming, expert analysis, multilingual commentary, social-first content, public screenings and fan engagement initiatives across the country.

Another key lesson is the importance of localization. Football already enjoys strong cultural roots in markets such as Kerala, West Bengal and the North East. Building regional narratives and creating relatable experiences helps deepen fandom and expand the audience base. We have also enabled partnerships for public viewings and immersive fan park experiences, ensuring that football becomes a shared cultural experience rather than just a viewing event.

How can Zee 5 leverage the FIFA World Cup to attract and retain subscribers beyond the tournament itself?

For us, the FIFA World Cup is part of a much larger and long-term football strategy. Our objective is to establish ‘Z’ as the ultimate home of football in India. The eight-year partnership with FIFA provides us with a sustained pipeline of premium football content, enabling us to continuously engage audiences beyond a single tournament cycle.

More importantly, we are creating a deeper purpose-led connection with football fans. Every subscriber on Zee 5 gets an opportunity to contribute towards building football in India. Through the allocation of 15% of football-related subscription revenues, we aim to identify, nurture and develop young talent through structured training initiatives and scalable league formats at the city, district, state and national level.

This approach transforms football viewership into football development, creating a meaningful reason for fans to stay invested in the ecosystem over the long term while helping build a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Do you believe the FIFA World Cup can accelerate football’s growth as a mainstream commercial sport in India?

Absolutely. Football in India is on a strong growth trajectory and there is significant headroom for further expansion. Global events like the FIFA World Cup create aspiration, visibility and cultural relevance, which are essential for growing any sport.

However, sustained growth requires more than just marquee events. It requires a structured ecosystem that identifies talent early, nurtures it consistently and creates pathways for progression. In line with this vision, we will collaborate with football federations globally as well as key national and state-level associations to strengthen grassroots development and create opportunities for aspiring players across the country.

Leveraging the collective contribution of Zee 5 subscribers, we aim to build a robust football ecosystem that supports talent development from the grassroots level and ultimately helps create globally competitive teams from India. Our long-term vision is to contribute towards building Indian teams capable of participating in the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup by 2034.

From a business perspective, what will define success for Zee 5’s FIFA World Cup coverage in the Indian market?

Success for us goes far beyond the performance of a single tournament. While audience engagement, advertiser partnerships and viewership remain important metrics, our larger objective is to strengthen football fandom in India and establish ‘Z’ as the preferred destination for football content.

We are encouraged by the strong initial response, with over 100 million viewers engaged across digital, linear and social platforms during the opening weekend. These numbers reflect the growing appetite for football content among Indian audiences.

However, success will also be measured by the impact we create beyond the screen. If we can successfully leverage our platform and the support of Zee 5 subscribers to identify and nurture talent, create scalable football ecosystems and contribute meaningfully towards India’s football aspirations, we would have created value that extends well beyond the tournament itself. Ultimately, success will be defined by our ability to build long-term audience affinity, establish ‘Z’ as the home of football in India and create a sustainable football ecosystem over the course of our eight-year partnership with FIFA.

Ekstraklasa and IMG Join Forces for Next Domestic Broadcast Rights Sale

Ekstraklasa has entered into a partnership agreement with IMG, a leading global sports marketing agency to support Poland’s top-flight football league in the upcoming tender process for the domestic media rights to Ekstraklasa matches from the 2027/28 season onwards.

As part of the partnership, IMG will contribute to the development of Ekstraklasa’s media rights strategy and work alongside the league in designing the final rights packaging structure and tender framework. IMG will also be actively involved throughout the entire sales process, engaging in discussions and negotiations with prospective broadcasters during the bidding stage and supporting subsequent contract negotiations.

“The media landscape is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of market participants expanding into new and often distant territories to strengthen their global footprint. IMG is one of the world’s leading sports marketing agencies, with extensive experience in both acquisition and commercialization of sports media rights across multiple markets and sporting properties. The company maintains strong relationships with broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide and brings a comprehensive global perspective on the trends shaping the sports media rights industry. We believe IMG’s expertise and market insight will strengthen our sales process, so that we can capitalize on Ekstraklasa’s continued growth and build a strong revenue stream for the clubs over the next contract period” said Marcin Animucki, CEO of Ekstraklasa SA.

Victor Blundell, SVP, Middle East & Eastern Europe, Rights, IMG, added, “The Ekstraklasa is one of Europe’s fasting growing football leagues with significant commercial potential. At IMG, we’re uniquely placed to advise on the next step in the league’s commercial development, with our global network of media rights experts and local market insights. We’re looking forward to supporting Ekstraklasa on building a strong domestic proposition that will help maximise its growth for the future.”

Ekstraklasa is currently experiencing strong growth across all key areas. The league continues to set new attendance records, attracting more than 4.15 million spectators to stadiums during the 2025/26 season. During the same period, viewership across linear television and digital platforms increased by 22%, while online audiences grew by nearly 50%.

The Polish league is also expanding its appeal among younger audiences, both in terms of match attendance and digital engagement. As a result, Ekstraklasa ranks among the top European leagues on social media, typically placing between sixth and eighth in terms of audience engagement. Ekstraklasa is also among the top ten European football leagues by the value of its centralized media rights agreements and is widely recognized as one of the most technologically advanced football leagues.

“We’ve successfully matched our strong business performance in recent years with sporting progress. We currently rank 12th in Europe, with five clubs participating in UEFA competitions. The league’s competitiveness, together with the unpredictability and excitement of our matches throughout the season make Ekstraklasa one of the most compelling football leagues. Viewership data also confirm our growing ability to consistently attract large audiences to the screens at scheduled times, which creates unique opportunities for further business growth both for new entrants to the Polish market and for existing broadcasters. We believe the upcoming tender process should reflect Ekstraklasa’s growing potential, particularly against the backdrop of the Poland’s growing economy and expected increase in consumer spending on entertainment,” said Marcin Animucki, CEO of Ekstraklasa SA.

An important driver of future growth in media rights value will be the league’s next technological milestone: the development of a new Live Park media centre. For more than a decade Ekstraklasa has independently produced and distributed its host broadcast feed to media partners around the world. The €20 million investment is expected to enable full remote match production from the 2027/28 season, further enhancing production quality and operational efficiency. Ekstraklasa is also consulting with IMG on the technological infrastructure of the new centre to ensure that the solutions implemented will be able to meet evolving needs of the media industry well into the next decade.

MotoGP Appoints CAA Sports As Exclusive Global Sponsorship Agency 

MotoGP Group has appointed CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), as its exclusive global agency to accelerate the evolution of its commercial programme and unlock new partnership opportunities worldwide.

Building on a well-established and high-performing sponsorship ecosystem that already partners with leading brands, MotoGP continues to deliver strong global reach, a fanbase of more than 650 million, and a premium calendar across key international markets. This collaboration with CAA Sports marks the next phase in scaling that success – expanding into new categories, enhancing global visibility, and increasing the value delivered to partners today.

CAA Sports will begin working immediately in close collaboration with MotoGP to identify, develop and secure high-value partnerships across international markets, supporting the championship’s continued commercial momentum and expand into new categories, enhance global brand exposure and drive demand for a broad range of integrated rights sponsorship packages connected to the sport.

As MotoGP’s global representative, CAA Sports will leverage its extensive network of brand relationships, commercial expertise and proven track record representing some of the most valuable sports properties, playing a key role in further scaling MotoGP’s sponsorship programme and connecting leading brands with one of the most dynamic and fast-growing properties in global sport.

“This partnership marks a key step in delivering our commercial strategy – building on the strength of what we have already created and taking it to the next level,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP Group. “MotoGP already offers partners a powerful global platform, and with CAA – the best in the business – we are in a strong position to unlock even greater value, attract new categories, and deepen our relationships with brands worldwide.”

“MotoGP is a premium global sports platform with a loyal and highly engaged fanbase,” said Paul Danforth, CAA Managing Director and President, CAA Sports. “The championship’s rapidly growing international profile offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through world-class competition, premium events and year-round content. We are excited to work alongside the MotoGP team to help accelerate the next phase of its commercial growth.”

With more than 650 million fans worldwide and a premium calendar of events spanning key international markets, MotoGP is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful, high-impact opportunities for brands, and this collaboration with CAA Sports will further accelerate the growth of its global sponsorship programme.

Adidas And The Royal Belgian Football Association Extend Their Partnership Until 2034

Adidas and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) have extended their partnership until 2034, adidas will therefore remain the official kit partner of Belgium’s various national teams for the coming years.

adidas has been a loyal partner of the RBFA since 2015, while also having served as the federation’s kit supplier in earlier years. Over the years, adidas has outfitted the Belgian Red Devils during some of their most iconic moments, including UEFA EURO 1980 in Italy (runners-up), the FIFA World Cup 1986 in Mexico (fourth place), and the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia (third place).

Sam Handy, General Manager adidas Football – “As the world celebrates the best in football, we are very proud to extend our partnership with the Royal Belgian Football Association. We were there when Belgium achieved its biggest successes, we created some iconic kits together, and above all, we have a lot of confidence in future generations Belgian Red Devils and Red Flames, and the development of football in Belgium. “

Peter Willems, CEO Royal Belgian Football Association – “We are very proud to continue our partnership with adidas. Sustainable partnerships are a key pillar of our strategy. The trust of a global benchmark brand like adidas, which is committed to working with our federation over the long term, is a strong confirmation that we are on the right path together”.

Pau Gasol’s €55 Million Liga F Proposal Signals a New Era for Women’s Football

As first reported by FemGol, former NBA star Pau Gasol, through his investment vehicle Gasol16 Ventures, has submitted a €55 million proposal to manage and develop the commercial rights of Spain’s top-flight women’s football league, Liga F. The proposal is set to be considered by clubs at an Extraordinary Assembly on June 29.

If approved, the investment would represent one of the largest private commitments ever made to a women’s football competition and could mark a significant turning point in the commercial evolution of the Spanish women’s game.

While the headline figure has attracted attention, industry observers suggest the proposal’s potential significance extends far beyond the capital injection itself.

Gasol’s bid reflects a growing trend across global sport: the rise of strategic investors who bring expertise, networks and commercial know-how alongside funding.

Having spent nearly two decades in the NBA and subsequently building an investment portfolio focused on sport, technology and performance, Gasol arrives with a unique combination of sporting credibility and business experience.

His profile as one of Spain’s most celebrated athletes, coupled with his role on the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, provides immediate international visibility and stakeholder confidence.

For Liga F, the proposal represents not only financial backing but also access to global commercial relationships and a deeper understanding of how modern sports properties can be positioned as entertainment brands.

The move is consistent with Gasol16 Ventures’ broader investment strategy.

Gasol has previously invested in women’s sport in the United States, including involvement in the WNBA ecosystem and investment in Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). He has also backed sports media and technology ventures aimed at younger audiences.

These investments reflect a long-term belief that women’s sport remains undervalued relative to its audience potential and commercial growth trajectory.

At a time when investors worldwide are increasingly seeking opportunities in women’s sport, Liga F appears to be the latest asset attracting strategic attention.

Formula 1 Names Fever as Official Ticketing Supplier in Long-Term Global Deal

Formula 1 has announced that Fever, a leading global live-entertainment technology platform, will join the sport in a long-term global strategic partnership as its Official Supplier, for races in 2027 and beyond.

As part of the new five-year agreement, Fever will provide a new ticketing platform for fans on F1.com for official general admission, local hospitality, and Paddock Club tickets, with a fresh new look and more sophisticated technology to improve discoverability, purchasing and customer service.

As F1’s fanbase continues to grow worldwide, the new partnership aims to deliver a smoother fan journey for those wanting to attend races in person, improving the overall experience of searching for, booking and securing tickets to some of the most unique, thrilling and creative events in world sport.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment from Formula 1 and Fever to develop cutting-edge innovative solutions that continue to enhance the fan experience and the global distribution of official Formula 1 tickets and hospitality packages.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said: “To maximise the overall experience of fans attending races, we want the consumer journey to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Having a strategic partnership that makes that process easier, like searching for and booking tickets, is critical so every aspect of the sport and their time at track lives up to our high expectations. We’re therefore delighted to have Fever join our ecosystem as an Official Supplier that will continue to raise the bar year after year.”

Mariano Otero, SVP Business Development at Fever, added: “We are proud to become an Official Supplier of Formula 1, one of the world’s most iconic and storied sports and entertainment properties. This agreement is a testament to Fever’s leading role as a global technology partner for the most renowned and demanding sports properties in the world and its ability to deliver innovative technology solutions on a global scale. We have been admirers of Formula 1’s inspiring work building up a global fan base, and look forward to helping reach the next generation of fans.”

Tottenham Hotspur Signs TCS As Digital Transformation Partner

Tottenham Hotspur FC has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services to become its Digital Transformation Partner.

TCS is one of the largest IT services organisations globally, with profound expertise in building scalable, secure, and intelligent digital ecosystems.

Through the partnership, TCS will leverage its industry leading capabilities in Salesforce and Cybersecurity to support Tottenham Hotspur’s digital operations. TCS will also enable advanced analytics and insights, while driving fan engagement, helping the Club harness data, modernize systems, and build a future ready digital platform.

Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer at Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Our ongoing digital transformation at Spurs underpins our wider aims to deepen fan engagement and enhance the user experience across our growing range of digital touchpoints. We are delighted to be able to take a true industry leader in TCS on this exciting journey with us – their expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects with some of the world’s biggest brands will be invaluable to us moving forward.”

“We are delighted to partner with Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a rich legacy and a strong global fan following. This collaboration brings together their ambition to enhance fan experiences with TCS’ capabilities in building secure, scalable digital platforms. By combining data, technology, and design, we aim to help the Club deepen engagement with fans, create more connected and intuitive digital experiences across touchpoints”, said Girish Ramachandran, President, TCS Growth Markets.

OPN And PFA Use Digital Athlete Passports To Transform Football Recruitment

OPN, the digital sports infrastructure company co-founded by former professional footballer Aaron Wildig, has expanded its partnership with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to provide out-of-contract players with verified performance data and greater visibility to clubs during the summer transfer window.

As the official Digital Athlete Passport partner of the PFA pre-season programme, OPN will provide players attending this year’s expanded camps with access to performance records, GPS data, physical testing, wellness monitoring and performance analytics throughout the programme.

The PFA pre-season camp gives out-of-contract players a professional training environment during the summer, with daily on-pitch sessions, strength and conditioning, friendly fixtures and physical and mental wellbeing support. This year’s programme will run for 12 weeks from June 29 to September 16, 2026, with dedicated camps for out-of-contract WSL and WSL2 players being introduced for the first time.

OPN’s technology will support the programme by helping players showcase their current level, readiness and potential through objective performance data, while giving clubs, scouts and recruitment teams a more complete picture of available players.

The partnership builds on OPN’s work with the PFA in 2025, when its Digital Athlete Passport technology and digital transfer list supported out-of-contract players seeking new clubs. The platform allows recruiters to access player profiles and performance data gathered throughout the programme, helping them make more informed decisions based on current evidence as well as playing history.

The 2026 programme will also include an integration with Opta, giving clubs access to deeper performance insights by combining physical testing data, GPS metrics and wellness information with match analytics and performance statistics.

Wildig, who had a 15-year professional playing career with clubs including Cardiff City, Shrewsbury Town, Morecambe and Newport County, said his own experience in the game had shaped OPN’s player-first approach.

He said: “My own career taught me how quickly football can move on without you. One minute you are in a club environment with all the support around you, and the next you are on your own trying to prove your value again. That experience has never left me, and it is a big part of why OPN exists.

“The work we are doing with the Professional Footballers’ Association is about giving players proper evidence of who they are, what they can do and how they are developing. Talent should not disappear just because a contract ends or because someone has not seen the full picture.

“Football has always been full of opinions, but players deserve more than opinions. They deserve verified data, proper context and a record that travels with them throughout their career.

“OPN is a way of giving something back. I know how vulnerable players can feel when they are out of contract, injured, overlooked or trying to find the next opportunity. If we can help them walk into conversations with clubs with greater confidence, then that matters.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how talented players can miss out on opportunities simply because clubs don’t have the full picture. By combining the PFA Transfer List with a player’s Digital Athlete Passport, we’re helping clubs find the right talent faster, while giving players greater visibility and control over their own careers during what can often be an uncertain time.”

More than 200 professional footballers are expected to attend the PFA pre-season programme each year, with a schedule of friendly fixtures arranged for attendees against opposition including development teams at Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

The PFA pre-season programme has helped hundreds of free agents land new deals since its launch in the 2022/23 season. Former Sunderland and AC Milan forward Fabio Borini signed for Salford City after attending the 2025 camp.

Borini said: “What the PFA has done with this initiative is very helpful. It gives players the opportunity to stay fit the best way possible, with the facilities they provided.

“It is also a great opportunity to be seen, which is why Alex [Salford Assistant Manager] and other clubs texted me to say they were interested. I suppose it was the same for other players. If you train at home in your own back garden, no one is going to see you.”

OPN currently works with more than 50 professional clubs across the UK, building Digital Athlete Passports that give players, coaches and clubs a shared picture of development over time.

The company is also extending its technology to younger players through OPN Academy, designed for 12–16 year olds who are already growing up in a data-driven world.

Wildig added: “The Academy is the next step. We want young players to understand their development earlier, stay connected to their clubs, and use technology in a positive way – not as pressure, but as support.”