Sports data has become more and more important. It isn't just being used by team analysts or sports commentators, but also for automated media production, as an editorial element in live streams and sports reporting or for real-time adjustments of odds. The collection of data has made great strides over the last couple of years - this is particularly true for tracking data. But so far, the collection of event data (e.g. yellow cards or shots on goal) has remained a manual process, carried out in the stadium. This creates challenges for a scalable business model. When gathering data, the manual work should be limited and/or focused on in-depth data that is highly contextual and where well-trained humans have a clear advantage over automated processes. For all other tasks, there is the belief that automation can create a more efficient solution. Together with its official technology provider Amazon Web Services and DFL’s subsidiary Sportec Solution AG, the DFL has launched the "Bundesliga Data Shootout" - its first online data science competition. Individuals and teams participating in the challenge are asked to develop a machine learning model that is able to detect challenges and passes in selected Bundesliga video footage, establishing a first vital building block in the automation process of event data collection. The competition will run from 30 July 2022 until 13 October 2022 and has an overall prize pool of US$25,000. Teams and individuals interested in participating in the first Bundesliga Data Shootout can register here.

The DFL and its subsidiary Sportec Solutions AG are well aware of the developments and the increasing importance of data. Not only is it more and more used to automating production workflows and supporting sporting decisions, but is also more and more recognised by media and fans to get more context on the on-pitch performance and allows people to build insights that last for more than 90 minutes of a regular Bundesliga match. "We really value data and have identified key opportunities that come with the collection of sports performance data", said Moritz Michael Mücke, head of digital innovations at the DFL. "This is a great chance for the league to closely cooperate with the data science community and see how the bright minds out there can help us build up on the great foundation we already have. We are happy to finally see this come to life and we are optimistically curious about the results of our first ever Bundesliga Data Shootout."