Major League Soccer (MLS) has selected IMG ARENA as its Official Data Distribution Partner after an extensive RFP process. The technology from IMG Arena will be utilized for soccer data and fan engagement in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
MLS’ betting and media partners will be provided with official data, content solutions, fan analytics and marketing tools by IMG. This partnership will also see the launch of three new MLS live data feeds. These feeds are targeted to enhance the fan experience through a series of brand-new digital, media and betting products.
The two companies are also set to launch a suite of digital products to enable the league, its teams and partners to use data, graphics, and insights. These products are designed to engage the digital MLS audience on MLSsoccer.com, the MLS App and all MLS Club Sites.
President of IMG ARENA, Freddie Longe 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."
Longe continued: "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."
Major League Soccer has 29 clubs with players representing 82 countries. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, and the league has doubled in size in the past 15 years.
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."
Schlosser continued: "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."
Two MLS teams are set to debut in 2023 as part of the 2022 expansion, these teams are Charlotte FC and St. Louis CITY SC.
