STATS, the world’s leading sports technology, data, and content company announced its acquisition of The Sports Network today.
STATS aims to revolutionize the way sporting events are viewed, understood, played, and enjoyed. They not only provide up-to-date scores, but also provide historical sports information, Associated Press editorial content, a turnkey fantasy sports operation, brand activation, and SportVU technology.
The Sports Network, based in Philadelphia, is known for delivering sports data to a unique client base. Using state-of-the-art technology, they provide a wide range of content on a 24 hour, 7 days basis. The Sports Network does not provide just scores or news, but also allows domestic or world-wide clients to see weather, injury reports, branded product, game-casts, photos, and fantasy coverage data across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, print, and mobile.
Chief Executive Officer of STATS, Gary Walrath, said of the acquisition, “The combination of STATS and The Sports Network will expand our ability to meet the increasing demand for the creative use of sports data and analytics across different customer segments globally.”
Mickey Charles, Chief Executive Officer of The Sports Network, echoed those thoughts when he said that they, “look forward to joining STATS’ innovative and expansive product set, including SportVU, and making it available to broader range of customers.”
This is just the latest effort by STATS to be proactive in setting a new standard in predictive analytics, as they also acquired Bloomberg Sports last September.
With more front offices, members of the media, and fans showing interest in the burgeoning field of sports analytics, companies like STATS are making their move to become the major provider of such services and products.
With traditionalists and skeptics staying away from the analytics movement, it will be interesting to see who continues to push the envelope, along with STATS, in sports analytics.