TORONTO – The Canadian Premier League, Canada’s new professional men’s soccer league, has today announced a four-year deal with Opta, making the leading global provider of live, detailed sports data their Official Data Partner.

Opta, part of Perform, the complete sports content company, will exclusively collect and manage data from all Canadian Premier League matches, starting with the first kick-off at this weekend’s opening clash between Forge FC and York9 FC from Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Canadian Premier League’s alignment with Opta reinforces the League’s commitment to ensuring that those covering the competition are provided with the best quality, most engaging live data to bring the new league to life. This allows both the league and their partners to create unique experiences to inform and empower their audience across traditional broadcast channels, the OneSoccer OTT platform, digital media and social.

As the Canadian Premier League enters their first season, the deal gives the league control of their data rights and access to Perform’s global expertise and sales network, whilst also allowing them to increase their presence across digital and widen commercial opportunities beyond their immediate audience.

Data will be delivered through an extensive range of feeds, providing the raw detail required to power broadcast graphics, automated highlights, fantasy experiences and much more. Highly visual, easily customisable widgets provide data-powered solutions for use across digital and social platforms, before during and after the action.

As part of the deal, all seven CPL clubs will have access to tools and services provided by OptaPro, Perform’s world-leading data and insights provider for over 350 professional sports teams, national federations and leagues. Powered by Opta’s unique database, OptaPro combines performance data with video and a suite of analytical products which help clubs to fine-tune performance, scout opponents and recruit new talent.

This is just another milestone in Opta’s commitment to supporting soccer’s expansion across North America. As Official Data Partners to MLS, NWSL, USL and US Soccer, Opta has helped the sport grow through the collection and distribution of detailed data in both the media and professional spaces.

Richard Crouch, VP – Rights Acquisition Data, Perform, said: “We’re delighted to announce that we will be the CPL’s Official Data Partner. This partnership will see us working closely with the league and Canadian Soccer Business to deliver the best quality data across the media and professional spaces, giving the competition control of their data rights and access to Opta and Perform’s expertise and sales network. We’re committed to the growth of North American soccer and are excited to work closely with the CPL.”

“Opta is the leader in soccer data who from our first ever match establishes the credibility and integrity of our data amongst the world’s top soccer leagues,” said David Clanachan, Commissioner, Canadian Premier League. “We have deeply integrated Opta’s data into our league and club websites, app and soccer operations, relying on it to support our success on and off the pitch”.

Opta has major global data partnerships within the sport, including the Premier League, La Liga, U.S. Soccer and the Eredivisie. Opta was acquired by Perform in 2013.