Genius Sports enters first Portuguese soccer tracking data and enhanced broadcast deal with Benfica

Official sports data and technology solutions provider Genius Sports announced Tuesday that it has struck the first tracking data and broadcast augmentation partnership in Portuguese football with S.L. Benfica.

Benfica, one of the most prestigious and successful teams in the history of Portuguese and European football, has selected Genius Sports for a wide-ranging partnership to help enhance on-field performance levels whilst reimagining the Benfica fan experience with live broadcast overlays.

Through its Second Spectrum division, Genius Sports will provide Benfica with advanced tracking technology, applying 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, pressing metrics, and player and shot speeds.

Genius Sports will power augmented broadcasts for Benfica across a selection of games each season, adding player stats and interactive customizations to the live fan experience. Both Benfica TV and Benfica Play will be able to host Genius Sports’ enhanced telecasts, helping the club to grow its global audience and set new levels for fan engagement in European club football.

Additionally, Benfica coaches will have access to hundreds of new team and player metrics, and 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 has established an incredible reputation for going above and beyond for its fans,” said Paul Hunt, Executive Director at Second Spectrum. “Our agreement will give Benfica the opportunity to continue to enhance and innovate the live fan experience, bringing its passionate supporters closer to the action with interactive and data-driven broadcasts."

Nuno Maurício, Head of Performance Analysis at Benfica, said: "It is with great pleasure that we can now rely on the data and reports provided by Genius Sports. The excellent quality of the system and data obtained, as well as the way in which all inputs are provided to Performance Analysts, Sports Data Scientists, and the Coaching Staff, is perfectly aligned with the analysis model and holistic intervention of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, allowing us to further develop and enhance our individual and team performance.”

Genius Sports has been an official data partner to Portugal's Primeira Liga since 2017 as part of a multi-league partnership with the European Leagues.