IMG Arena has announced an extended partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS), where it will provide player and ball tracking data to MLS Next Pro.

Using its deep tech, cloud-based platform, IMG Arena will collect data for player performance analysis.

This information will include each players’ total running distance, speed zones, sprints, distance between players and more.

Data will also be collected on the match officials to be sent to the Professional Referee Organisation (PRO), to help with training purposes.

Ali Curtis, Senior VP of Competition and Operations at MLS Next Pro, said: “One of the areas of focus for MLS Next Pro is innovation so we are thrilled to be bringing this new player and ball tracking technology to the League.

“IMG is continuing to create new solutions for soccer fans around the world and this is a great example of their commitment to delivering a best-in-class experience.”

Following its acquisition of Signality last year, IMG Arena employs computer vision to extract positional data from video feeds.

As IMG Arena is an official data partner for the MLS, the sports data provider has been supplying fan analytics and marketing tools since the announcement of the partnership in 2022.

The player and ball tracking data is expected to be integrated into the IMG Arena’s Sport Services platform for the league.

Freddie Longe, President of IMG Arena, said: “This expanded partnership means we’re able to provide MLS Next Pro with an all-encompassing data collection system.

“Adding compelling ball tracking data and player analysis will provide enhanced performance insights, on top of our next-generation fan engagement analytics and innovative content solutions which are empowering the future MLS universe.”

This isn't the only development between IMG Arena and the football world, as recently IMG Arena announced it had acquired the data and streaming rights for the National Women's Soccer League.