The North American Soccer League has teamed up with sports data provider Opta. As part of the three-year deal, Opta will manage and deliver statistical analysis for all of the NASL’s league, cup, and postseason matches. Live match centers, individual and team analysis will track all of the usual statistical categories, as well as a multitude of ultra-specific, in-depth data points. The partnership, which will be officially announced on Tuesday, will feature a number of elements that go beyond web integration, including press box statistics distribution, social media interaction, and media outlet integration. Based in London, but operating stateside out of NYC, Opta already has a number of major data partnerships within the sport, including the Premier League, Football League Championship, Bundesliga, Major League Soccer and A-League. The company was acquired by digital sports content and media group Perform in '13. The new statistical changes to the league’s websites will go live in the weeks leading up to the season, which kicks off on April 2. NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson: "Our supporters rely heavily on digital and social media outlets to follow their favorite club, and this new partnership with Opta is a major step towards delivering a better experience to everyone that follows the league" (NASL).
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