Sports Data Firm Genius Buys Second Spectrum

Sports data technology company Genius Sports has acquired AI-powered sports data tracking and visualization solutions provider Second Spectrum, for $200m.

Second Spectrum's technology enables clients to automatically index action on the court, pitch or field within seconds; and its advanced player tracking technology enables teams, leagues, media and data partners to gain real-time insights into levels of engagement. According to Genius Sports, the deal will add artificial intelligence technology as well as computer vision and machine learning products, allowing it to capture 'richer, faster, and more accurate' tracking data.

The deal will also add tracking and video augmentation products through which to create official sports data and drive fan engagement that combines real-time data and analytics with augmented video streaming and personalized content. Second Spectrum CEO Rajiv Maheswaran says his team is 'thrilled' to join the Genius Sports family.

Genius CEO Mark Locke adds: 'This acquisition supports our long-term strategic vision of utilizing AI tracking, enhanced data insights and transformative technology to revolutionize the sports data landscape for the fans, our customers and sports and media partners. Adding additional fan engagement technology to our already diverse and cutting-edge portfolio of products and services will create compelling, unique content, that will transform user experiences and create additional revenue streams for our customers'.

Web sites: www.geniussports.com and www.secondspectrum.com .