Major League Soccer announced today it will integrate state-of-the art data visualization technology, optical player tracking, and enhanced metrics into match broadcasts as part of an enhanced second screen viewing experience for fans. This marks the first live augmented data offering of a full match by a professional soccer league. The streams will be available for every Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoff match played in an MLS venue*, streams will be available on FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com, TUDN.com, the TUDN app, and ESPN3 throughout the playoffs.
Fans will experience video game-like elements in real time on an enhanced second screen experience. Much like EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21, the location of every player will be displayed on top of the game broadcast using a “mini map” of the field. In addition, location data will be used to identify players in real time as play progresses and showcase player sprinting speeds throughout the game.
“Major League Soccer continues to be at the forefront of utilizing data and technology to positively enhance the fan experience and bring fans closer to the game,” said Chris Schlosser, MLS SVP of Media. “We are excited to provide our fans with an all new game viewing experience for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Working with Second Spectrum we are pushing the envelope with what is possible when you combine the latest in machine learning and augmented reality technology. We are excited for our fans to have a taste of what is possible in the years ahead using this groundbreaking technology”.
These streams are part of a broader MLS initiative to create enhanced data feeds from all MLS matches as part of a partnership with Second Spectrum. The partnership, announced in March, provides enhanced data from every match as well as advanced video tools for use by all MLS coaching staffs. In addition, MLS and Second Spectrum are partnering to create new fan experiences, starting with enhanced highlights that rolled out earlier this year and now continuing with live full match streams.
The technology will debut for fans on Friday, Nov. 20 when New England Revolution meet Montreal Impact in an Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs Play-in game at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 with the enhanced stream on FOX Sports App and FoxSports.com. When Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF play on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, fans will be able to access the enhanced stream on ESPN3. The stream will be available on MLSsoccer.com, TUDN.com and the TUDN app for select Univision network games, as well as Fox Sports App and FOXSports.com for MLS Cup.
For more information, visit MLSsoccer.com. For photos and videos of the video game-like elements, click HERE.
