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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

Process 

DFL follows a structured venture-partnership process to evaluate, compare and pilot new 3D data use cases. To help applicants understand the structure, granularity and characteristics of the Bundesliga 3D tracking feed, DFL provides an anonymized example dataset from a complete match after registration.  

1. Application via Platform 

Solution providers submit their application through the ekipa platform until the deadline. 

2. Get-to-Know Conversations 

Short digital sessions (30–45 minutes) with selected providers to: 

  • clarify technical assumptions and data usage, 
  • understand intended workflows (clubs, media, partners), 
  • assess maturity, integration potential and stakeholder fit. 

This step ensures both sides know what a partnership could look like. 

3. Validate Phase & SportsInnovation 

Selected teams enter a focused 4-week validation sprint. The phase begins with a joint kick-off workshop and aims to demonstrate technical and data feasibility, and outline a credible commercialization & collaboration path. 

Activities include: 

  • Access to extensive datasets for early prototyping & technical testing  
  • Definition of a workflow fit (Clubs, Media, Partners) with DFL experts 
  • Access to and engagement with relevant stakeholders from clubs, media, tech partners etc. 
  • Commercialization hypothesis building: mapping potential value streams, beneficiaries and realistic business logic for a win-win scenario 
  • Preparation for participation at SportsInnovation 2026. 

SportsInnovation (4–5 March) serves as an opportunity for exposure channel, depending on nature and maturity of the solution: 

  • teams present their validated concepts or early prototypes
  • receive direct feedback from clubs, media partners, and DFL stakeholders 
  • test attractiveness, feasibility, and market fit under real-world conditions 

By the end of the Validate Phase (incl. SportsInnovation), each selected team delivers: 

  • A feasibility validation based on real 3D data 
  • A clear value proposition for at least one DFL stakeholder group 
  • An outline of what a joint Pilot would look like 

4. Rollout Evaluation & Next Steps 

DFL and the partner jointly evaluate technical results, commercial potential and strategic fit. Based on this, possible next steps include: 

  • extension or refinement of the prototype, 
  • pilot project, 
  • potential co-development agreements or venture partnership models, 
  • joint commercial models (supplier relationship, co-branded product, revenue share, etc.), 
  • a roadmap for scaling the solution  

Depending on the nature and 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.