Sports data and betting technology supplier IMG Arena has announced its has secured exclusive rights to obtain the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) official data and streaming.
As well as being the women’s league’s official integrity partner, IMG Arena will embark on a multi-year deal which will see the tech and data firm capture and deliver data from more than 161 NWSL and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup games per season.
This falls in line with the league’s ambitions to help expand and grow further globally, with IMG Arena now able to distribute NWSL data to more than 460 sportsbooks operators along with live streaming for betting.
As the league’s official integrity partner, IMG Arena will also provide NWSL with full monitoring services to safeguard competitions and tournaments.
“As the NWSL continues to grow on and off the field, delivering new opportunities to further engage with our teams and players is critical to unlocking our potential as an entertainment business,” said NWSL Chief Revenue Officer Mitch Poll.
“This new partnership is a key step in increasing the value add of our league and we are excited to work alongside IMG Arena as we continue enhancing the fan experience for NWSL fans and sports enthusiasts alike.”
The 11th NWSL season kicked off on 25 March after a record-breaking 2022 season that saw more than one million fans attend games for the first time in the league’s history.
The new partnership builds on IMG Arena’s global portfolio of properties which includes the MLS, the USTA, UFC, the PGA Tour, and multiple European soccer leagues via its partnership with European Leagues.
The NWSL’s global media rights are distributed by IMG and its parent company Endeavor, with Endeavor Streaming powering the NWSL’s international direct-to-consumer streaming service, creating a global home for fans outside the US to watch every live NWSL match for the 2023 season.
Andrew Turner, Commercial Partnerships Manager, Americas at IMG Arena, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the world’s premier women’s soccer league to help grow the NWSL’s global reach and engage fans with a front-row seat to every moment of the action.
“With last season’s record-breaking attendance, new Utah and Bay Area franchises set to join in 2024, and a new-format Challenge Cup, the NWSL is one of the most exciting properties in global sports and a fantastic addition to our expanding US soccer portfolio.”
