IMG Arena and MLS announce new long-term partnership to power next generation of fan experiences
July 7, 2022
Major League Soccer (MLS) has partnered with IMG ARENA as its Official Data Distribution Partner after an extensive RFP process.
The long-term, global partnership will utilize the latest technology to create a new standard for soccer data and drive the next generation of fan engagement in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
IMG ARENA will deliver official data, innovative content solutions, next-generation fan analytics, and marketing tools to MLS’ betting and media partners. The agreement will see the launch of three new MLS live data feeds, designed to enhance the fan experience via a series of brand new digital, media and betting products.
IMG ARENA’s award-winning modularized Event Centers – already successfully implemented in golf and MMA – will offer an unrivalled soccer betting experience for fans by combining MLS data feeds and live streaming, and presenting live and historical event statistics, data visualizations and ultra-responsive markets via 2D and 3D interfaces.
In addition, MLS and IMG ARENA will launch a suite of new digital products enabling the league, its teams and partners to use data, graphics and insights to enhance the game and further engage the digital MLS audience on MLSsoccer.com, the MLS App and all MLS Club Sites.
Freddie Longe, President of IMG ARENA said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to have secured this agreement with MLS for an all-encompassing partnership that allows both parties to plan and work on a long-term strategy that will take us to the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
“It is a partnership truly fit for the data age of sport and shows off the full capabilities of the IMG ARENA product and service offering. Together, we will empower the future MLS universe.”
Chris Schlosser, Major League Soccer’s SVP of Emerging Ventures said: “The extensive collaboration between MLS and IMG ARENA will utilize the latest in digital marketing technology to drive fan growth for MLS and MLS Next Pro ahead of World Cup 2026 in North America.
“IMG ARENA is a proven global leader in an ever-evolving sports betting landscape. We look forward to working with them to deliver the highest quality data for fans to power their MLS sports betting experiences.”
Major League Soccer is the fastest-growing soccer league in the world, more than doubling in size to 29 clubs over the last 15 years. Momentum around the League will continue to grow throughout North America on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. With players representing 82 countries, MLS has the most global player pool in all sports, and its fan base is the youngest, most diverse audience in North American sports.
Headquartered in London, IMG ARENA is a sports data and technology hub serving the Sports, Sports Betting and Sports Media eco-systems. IMG ARENA delivers live streaming and data feeds for more than 45,000 sports events annually, as well as for on-demand virtual sports products and front-end solutions including the UFC Event Centre. IMG ARENA’s clients include the ATP, UFC, European Tour, PGA Tour, EuroLeague, MLS and the FA.
