IMG Arena bets on FlightScope Services for data and delivery solutions

IMG Arena has acquired data collection, audio-visual production, and tracking technology specialist FlightScope Services. 

FlightScope will be integrated into IMG Arena under the continued stewardship of Jacek Gronek and Wojtek Szumila. Gronek and Szumilia will join the company as VP, rightsholder services and head of technology respectively, along with around 160 other employees.

Funds and resources wil be invested in FlightScope to move it into new sports. To date, it has primarily worked in golf and tennis, but it could now look to football, basketball and volleyball and major US sports. In addition, it will aim to offer new products and services under the banner of of IMG ARENA Rightsholder Solutions.

IMG Arena has worked with FlightScope Services since 2013, and the pair co-developed a data collection system that records data from the European Tour through tracking and marking the ball to within millimetres of its position on the course. They have also produced live streaming and data collection for ATP Tour events. 

FlightScope founder Henri Johnson retains the FlightScope brand name and will continue to operate professional and consumer product divisions.

IMG managing director, Freddie Longe, said: “The integration of FlightScope Services technology is a fundamental part of our growth strategy and provides the foundation for the launch of our new Rightsholder Solutions. This new pillar within IMG ARENA will see us enhance the services we provide to rightsholders to include automated and manual content creation, content governance and operational excellence.

“The acquisition allows IMG ARENA to enrich our innovation in fan engagement via the development of data and audio-visual content, while creating new content and commercial opportunities for federations and rights holders across our portfolio.”

FlightScope VP rightsholders services, Gronek, added: : “FlightScope Services joining the IMG ARENA business is a natural union born out of synergies in product, customer base and, most importantly, culture and vision. It will enable us to leverage our knowledge, strengths and resources to deliver an enhanced range of best-in-class services and technologies across multiple sports.”