Rugby League Commercial (RL Commercial), the body that controls the media, marketing, and events rights for the Rugby Football League and its Super League competition, has today announced a renewed data partnership with Stats Perform, the international sports data and technology provider.
The three-year extension will see a significant increase in the depth of live Opta data being captured during every Super League, Challenge Cup, and England men’s and women’s senior international matches played from 2024 onwards.
The deal will enable every Super League club to benefit from access to new live, AI-powered, predictive Rugby League feeds, as well as Stats Perform’s dual-code RugbyHub Live and DataEngine software which deliver performance insights to support in-game analysis and fan engagement.
As well as the performance data, staff across the RFL, RL Commercial, and Super League will be able to utilize Stats Perform’s predictive rugby data to share insights with fans and coaches.
Stats Perform’s live predictive AI metrics are in use across both rugby codes and include a Kick Predictor, Live Win Probability, Expected Points, and a match Momentum tracker.
Alex Rice, Stats Perform’s chief commercial officer, added: “During 2023 we have launched a wide range of new dedicated rugby league services, which are centered around our long-term investment in AI.
“We are very pleased to see these services underpin our extended agreement with the RFL and Super League, which will enable rugby fans and performance staff at teams to benefit from new and innovative predictive insights – all delivered via cutting-edge, responsive software.”
RL Commercial was set up in 2022 as a joint venture between the RFL governing body and the Super League to secure the commercial future of the sport.
It was formed in May as part of the commercial realignment of rugby league in England, a process in which sport and entertainment heavyweight IMG has been integral.
Rhodri Jones was appointed as RL Commercial's first managing director last December.
The Super League recently concluded a renewed three-year media rights deal with UK pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports.
The agreement, which will begin with the 2024 season, will see Sky broadcast every game of the men’s competition live, including the playoffs and the grand final.
