Major League Soccer (MLS) and Kitman Labs have announced an extension to their partnership by streamlining operations alongside MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT.
Under the new terms of the partnership, Kitman Labs will assist in bringing all three organisations’ player pathway management teams under one umbrella to centralise operations and performance data into one singular, integrated platform.
This latest development intends for MLS’ player pathway and academy level initiatives to connect to its competitions, teams and players, while also developing new solutions to enhance access for players to reach the US’ top-flight soccer league.
MLS Assist will be the overarching body that will oversee the unification of the MLS, MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro and utilise Kitman Labs’ League Operations solution, as well as the MLS Intelligence Platform to build a new dataset for players, staff, coaches and games played across the MLS.
John Sullivan, MLS Chief Information Officer, said: “The focus of MLS Assist is to streamline the technology behind our competitions by consolidating solutions, modernizing sports management processes, and standardising the reporting and distribution of our sports data.
“A key goal is digitizing the player pathway—using integrated technologies and data-driven systems to modernise scouting, optimise player development, and build a smarter, more connected talent pipeline.
“By aligning efforts across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT, the Sporting Technology department and Kitman Labs are building an innovative and scalable foundation for how the game is managed.”
MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT become the first soccer leagues to launch the League Operations Solution from Kitman Labs.
Benefits of the solution include simplification of player and staff registrations, automated tools for fixture management, tracking of discipline and eligibility actions, greater data into match reporting, and a simplification tool of scheduling logistics.
“Through our work with MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, we are building a strong foundation—one that not only identifies and develops talent but also fosters a competitive, sustainable ecosystem,” added Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Kitman Labs.
“Too often, organisations are held back by disconnected systems that create inefficiencies and obscure the full picture of player development and league operations.
“With the launch of the League Operations Solution in iP: Intelligence Platform, we’re working to empower MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT by unifying their data, streamlining operations, and ultimately unlocking transformative growth—ensuring they continue to be a destination for top talent while delivering an exceptional experience for players, practitioners, partners, and fans alike.”
