Genius Sports, the official data, technology and broadcasting company that powers the ecosystem that connects sports, betting and media, has won its first data tracking and broadcast increase partnership in Portuguese football with S.L. Benfica.
As one of the most prestigious and successful teams in European football history, Benfica has selected Genius Sports for a broad partnership focused on helping to improve performance levels on the pitch, while reimagining the team’s fan experience with live streaming.
Through its Second Spectrum division, Genius Sports will provide Benfica with some of the most advanced tracking technologies in world sport, applying state-of-the-art machine learning and AI capabilities to capture new levels of statistical insight.
Benfica fans, coaches, players and partners will have access to crucial new data points including expected goals, pressure metrics, player speed and shooting speed.
Genius Sports will increase the power of Benfica’s broadcasts through a selection of games each season, adding highly engaging player stats and interactive customizations to the live fan experience.
Both Benfica TV and Benfica Play will be able to receive the enhanced broadcasts from Genius Sports, helping the club to increase its global audience and set new levels for fan engagement in European club football.
Benfica coaches will have access to hundreds of new team and player metrics, and exclusive tactical videos to strengthen player and team performance levels through AI-driven analytics capabilities.
“As one of the most prestigious and innovative clubs in European football, Benfica have established an incredible reputation for going above and beyond when it comes to their fans,” said Paul Hunt, Executive Director of Second Spectrum.
“Our agreement will give Benfica the opportunity to continue improving and innovating the live fan experience, bringing their passionate fans closer to the action with interactive, data-driven broadcasts,” added Hunt.
“It is with great pleasure that we can now rely on the data and reports provided by Genius Sports,” said Nuno Maricio, Head of Performance Analysis at Benfica.
“The excellent quality of the system and the data obtained, as well as the way in which all inputs are provided to Performance Analysts, Sports Data Scientists and Technical Staff, is perfectly aligned with Sport Lisboa’s holistic analysis and intervention model. and Benfica, allowing us to further develop and improve our individual and team performance”, concluded Maricio.
Genius Sports has been an official Premier League data partner since 2017 as part of a multi-league partnership with the European Leagues.