Sportradar Acquires MOCAP Analytics For AI-Powered Storytelling

Sportradar US, LLC announced last weekend that it has acquired MOCAP Analytics, Inc. The acquisition combines Sportradar’s leadership in sports data with MOCAP’s expertise in AI-powered data storytelling. Together they will pursue new opportunities to develop player-tracking data products to engage NBA, NFL and other sports fans.

“MOCAP Analytics has developed premiere AI-powered data storytelling software and algorithms for fan engagement and they have been creating rich NBA and NFL content for years. By combining their software and algorithms with our data and partnerships, our clients will be able to deliver snackable, visual and original content across all platforms and channels worldwide. Our Game Stories and Game Stream will be the first products to bring these experiences to life. This acquisition allows us to pursue an exciting area of growth where one thing is certain – fan discussion will never be the same.” – said Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO, Sportradar.

MOCAP Analytics, founded in 2012 by Caltech PhDs, Arian Forouhar and Eldar Akhmetgaliyev, has created original sports content for years, starting through an agreement during the 2012-2013 season with their hometown Golden State Warriors, the first team to use their technology.

“Sports storytelling is an area where machines and humans can work together to enrich the fan experience and stir conversation. We now have a unique position in the marketplace by combining unfettered access to player-tracking data, established partnerships spanning broad distribution channels, and powerful data storytelling capabilities. Teaming up with the global leader in this space allows us to stay on the cutting edge of sports and technology and to extend the reach of our data storytelling around the world.” – said Arian Forouhar, Co-Founder and CEO, MOCAP Analytics.

Since it was founded 16 years ago, Sportradar has served as a trusted resource to the most influential and notable sports and leagues. The company has partnered with the NFL, NBA, NHL, ITF, esports tournament organizer ESL, and many others worldwide. Leading broadcasters, digital publishers, app developers, teams and brands use Sportradar’s feeds and solutions to connect with fans. Sports Illustrated is the first to use Game Stream to deliver immersive 3D player-tracking experiences to NFL fans.

“This season marks our first in partnership with Sportradar, who will serve as our Official Provider of Real-time NBA League Statistics,” said Ken DeGennaro, NBA Senior Vice President, Media Operations & Technology. “We look forward to continuing to work with the joint team as they deliver great data-driven stories to our fans in the U.S. and around the world.”

ABOUT MOCAP ANALYTICS
MOCAP Analytics is a Silicon Valley tech start-up co-founded in 2012 by two Caltech PhDs. Beginning with its relationship with the hometown Golden State Warriors — an early adopter of the enabling tracking technology — they have become leaders in analyzing player-tracking and related data. MOCAP comprises a small but dedicated team of experienced and enthusiastic leaders in sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. They bring pedigree from some of the finest academic institutions and premier sports franchises. Now they’re focused on changing the way people think about, and view, sports. Their goal is to develop the premier sports analytics platform for fan engagement.
Technology is their focus and sports is their passion!

More information can be found at www.mocapanalytics.com

ABOUT SPORTRADAR
Sportradar is the global leader in understanding and leveraging the power of sports data and digital content for its clients around the world. We provide cutting-edge solutions and services to media companies, bookmakers, sports federations and state authorities.

Partnering with the likes of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) as their official data partner, we have provided numerous rights holders with the tools and services to unlock the full power and impact of their data. Besides being a market leading company in the sports betting and media industries, Sportradar also operates a unique Fraud Detection System (FDS) which is relied upon by law enforcement agencies as well as several sports federations, including World Rugby, the ICC and UEFA.

More than 1,000 businesses in over 80 countries rely on Sportradar’s data depth and quality services in their daily business. Headquartered in Switzerland, Sportradar has offices in 34 other cities and employs over 1,700 highly experienced staff worldwide.

More information can be found on www.sportradar.com.