MLS Champions Sports-Tech Integration with Future of the Game Showcase

Major League Soccer (MLS) recently hosted its second annual Future of the Game Showcase at Q2 Stadium in Austin during All-Star Week. This event provided a live demonstration of emerging technologies that are shaping the future of football. As part of MLS’s broader Innovation Lab initiative, the Showcase highlighted how artificial intelligence, wearable technology, immersive audio, real-time data and inclusive design are being integrated into various aspects of the sport, from player development and fan engagement to stadium operations and content production.

The event featured some of the most innovative startups in sports technology. EDGE Sound Research demonstrated an intelligent audio infrastructure that personalises the live match experience with immersive soundscapes. OLIVER Sports provided GPS trackers worn by players during the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, capturing advanced, soccer-specific data to assist coaches in scouting and injury prevention. Soccerment showcased their AI-powered wearables and real-time performance analytics, along with content generation capabilities that utilise data from the exact match.

Wicket introduced seamless facial authentication for ticketing, payments and venue access, aiming to eliminate friction on matchdays. Meanwhile, Camb.AI translates game content into multiple languages in real-time, preserving the original speaker’s tone, which makes live events more accessible to global fans. Lubu Technologies contributed wearable technology that measures cleat performance, pressure and impact to enhance training and recovery.

A significant highlight was OneCourt, which offered a tactile broadcast experience that allows visually impaired fans to follow the match through touch. MLS’s own Sportec Solutions showcased a suite of AI tools designed to enhance match storytelling and broadcast engagement, such as the AI Live Ticker and Data Story Finder.

These technologies exemplify MLS’s broader strategy: to transform how football is played, experienced and understood. By integrating cutting-edge innovations into live match environments, MLS is creating a testing ground for sports technology, redefining matchday experiences, analytics and global accessibility.

The commitment of MLS and its member clubs to innovation was further demonstrated through a newly announced partnership between a global digital transformation experts Innova Solutions and Charlotte FC. This multi-year agreement sees Innova become the Official Digital Transformation Partner for both Charlotte FC and NFL side The Carolina Panthers and includes developing cloud-based analytics platforms to support on-field decisions, upgrading in-stadium technology and securing naming rights for luxury suites at Bank of America Stadium. It also brings Innova into the event activation space, offering branded experiences and mobile integration across both clubs’ fan ecosystems.