The English Premier League’s Southampton FC will host the Future of Football Challenge for sports tech startups developing solutions related to scouting, training, recovery, and game analytics, as well as fan engagement products for gamification, loyalty programs and matchday experiences. The challenge is being held in partnership with blockchain gaming company Yolo Group and Sport Republic, the London investment firm that owns Southampton.
Selected startups will participate in a four-week online program and participate in workshops with access to executives at Southampton FC, Sport Republic and Yolo Group. The program also includes in-person UK events for companies to test their products before a finale scheduled in May at Southampton’s St Mary's Stadium where the startups will pitch for a commercial relationship with the team and a $120,000 prize pool.
Companies have until Feb. 23 to apply for the challenge. Yolo Group’s brands include Sportsbet.io, the crypto sports betting platform that’s Southampton FC’s main jersey sponsor. English soccer club Arsenal FC has previously hosted a similar startup challenge with Yolo Group. Sport Republic owns 80% of Southampton FC and its other subsidiaries include Turkish soccer club Göztepe and the broadcast gamification startup Sport Buff.
