The second group of MLS Innovation Labs includes technologies that drive fan engagement, player… (+) development, and backend media across the league. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
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Major League Soccer showcased its best players and innovative technology side-by-side at the July 2024 All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, with demonstrations from the league’s first MLS Innovation Lab Cohort.
On Monday, MLS took the evolution of soccer technology a step further by announcing the six companies selected for its second Innovation Lab cohort, which aims to advance fan engagement, player development and media across the league.
Participating technologies range from AI-powered performance monitoring to facial recognition software for ticketing and authentication to smart shin pads to capture advanced player metrics.
Speaking at the 2023 Hashtag Sports Conference in New York City, Chris Schlosser… (+) Leads MLS’s Innovation Lab. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Hashtag Sports)
Getty Images for Hashtag Sports
Chris Schlosser, MLS senior vice president of emerging ventures, said the league spent the past six months reviewing hundreds of companies to select the cohort members.
“All of these companies were noteworthy to us for different reasons,” he said. “We are truly impressed with their founding team and their products. We look forward to seeing how they integrate into the MLS experience and how they will expand over the course of the program. I am thinking of doing so.”
cohort members
MLS Emerging Ventures evaluated more than 1,000 startups and technology leaders over the past year to select the Innovation Lab cohort.
Several companies in this group focus on collecting performance data using artificial intelligence. These include:
Oliver Sports uses AI to capture athletic and soccer-specific metrics such as ball engagement. Soccerment offers scalable data analysis and tracking tools, including smart shin guards and match analysis. Sportslight technology uses stadium-installed light detection and ranging systems known as LiDAR and AI to maximize player development, injury risk analysis and rehabilitation processes. Lubu Technologies features AI-powered wearables, including footwear technology that analyzes how your steps, sprints, and cuts impact your performance and health.
The last two companies are more fan-focused.
Wicket provides a facial recognition platform for ticketing, payment, access, and authentication. Edge Sound Research works with audio technology to enhance match sound to enhance viewing and create an immersive surround sound listening experience.
“One of the themes we’re looking at is what I call the ‘connected athlete,'” Schlosser said. “How can we use next-generation sensors and AI technology to provide better insights for coaches?
“We create massive amounts of data off the field, and that number is growing every year. Can it generate interesting insights, alerts, flags? We’re excited to dive into it.”
Innovation Lab Focus
The MLS Innovation Lab was launched in the fall of 2023 with six technology companies as part of MLS’s intention to be at the forefront of technology in sports, Schlosser said. The product was tested for nine months with live in-game demonstrations before being showcased at the league’s first-ever “Future of the Game Showcase” at the All-Star Game.
Schlosser said the league followed a similar process this year, drawing on recommendations from MLS teams that continually review technology and companies. The proposal was then shared with subject matter experts and reviewed for feasibility.
“This is very helpful in determining how interesting a particular product is,” he said. “If sports scientists are excited about an analytics product, that’s a good sign.
“We brought the Edge Sound guys into the production team and they said, ‘This is unbelievable.’ I can’t wait to see this. ” That feedback is invaluable in narrowing down the list of potential companies. ”
MLS has already identified testing standards for all companies in the cohort and has plans in place for how the products will be utilized on the field, within MLS broadcasts, or in real-time in stadiums, Schlosser said. he said. Events could include MLS Next Fest, Generation Adidas Cup, MLS Next Cup, MLS Next All-Star Game, and more.
Selected companies will be invited to present their products to MLS executives and owners during the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin.
“Every company has a solid plan behind it,” Schlosser said. “We have to keep moving, keep pushing, keep finding ways to bring these innovations to fruition. We could see some new additions coming into play heading into the playoffs. In 2025. Our work could include many more elements.
MLS declined to reveal financial details of its relationship with the member, but Schlosser said the investment in the innovation lab will help the league advance soccer (sometimes called football in other countries) around the world. said that it reflects the efforts of
“We believe that the structure of MLS, the ownership of MLS and the breadth of our competition gives us the ability to test and try things that no other organization in world football can do.” he said. “I don’t think there is another group in world soccer that is so focused on the future and ensuring that it is realized on the field of MLS for years to come.”
