Bundesliga 3D Data Challenge
DFL is looking for innovators to develop new applications powered by Bundesliga’s new 3D tracking system. The goal is to validate real-world use cases, leverage completely new data depth and explore partnership opportunities that can scale across the DFL ecosystem.
Selected teams collaborate directly with DFL and club experts, validate their ideas on real match data, and get the opportunity to take part in the SportsInnovation 2026.
Who can participate?
Startups, tech companies, researchers and innovators from any field who can create data-driven concepts using 3D tracking data.
#SportsTech #FootballData #3DTracking #VenturePartnership
🏆 Rewards Co-Development + Scaling + Potential Long-Term Partnership🕑 Deadline Feb 10, 2026, 10:59:00 PM🌎 Scope Global
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Executive Summary
Challenge in one sentence
Identify new, scalable applications of Bundesliga 3D tracking data that demonstrate both technical feasibility and clear value for clubs, media, partners or fans. For innovators, this is an opportunity to build data-driven solutions together with one of the world’s most advanced football leagues using a completely new generation of tracking data.
Why-This-Matters
The introduction of league-wide 3D tracking unlocks levels of detail never before available in professional football. DFL aims to explore this potential together with external innovators.
Solution-Space
The challenge is intentionally broad. Any solution is in scope if it:
- meaningfully uses the new 3D data attributes
- creates long-term value for at least one DFL stakeholder group, and
- can be demonstrated through a prototype or validation output.
Applications may focus on new visualisations, new computations/KPIs, or novel tools for clubs, media, O&O platforms, integrity or technology partners.
Why Participate
This challenge offers innovators a unique opportunity to build the first generation of 3D-data products in German professional football together with the DFL.
Participants benefit from:
- Access to documentations, sample and extended 3D datasets
- Direct interactions with DFL, clubs, media and technology partners
- A structured validation sprint to refine and test the concept
- Potentially participation in SportsInnovation 2026, depending on nature & maturity of solution concept
- A pathway toward pilots, product integrations or long-term partnerships
Depending on the nature & maturity of the solution, DFL offers two potential routes for collaboration:
- a central league-wide pathway where solutions may be integrated into DFL/STS products and made available to all clubs, or
- a partner-driven pathway where DFL facilitates access to relevant clubs, media or technology partners for further validation and commercialization.
Process & Data access
The process is designed for speed, fairness and clarity:
- Application via the ekipa platform (fixed questions + pitch deck)
- Evaluation & shortlisting based on feasibility, relevance and stakeholder fit
- Get-to-Know session to align expectations and explore data usage
- Validate Phase (4 weeks) including dataset access, stakeholder feedback and concept refinement
- SportsInnovation 2026 as a proof & exposure stage, depending on nature & maturity of solution concept
- Next Steps — pilots, co-development or integration into the DFL ecosystem
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