WSL Partners with Sportable for Smart Ball Tech & Catapult for Performance Analytics
The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) is poised to revolutionize performance analysis and fan engagement with the introduction of groundbreaking data-driven technology. In a multi-year partnership with Nike and Sportable, the league will become the first in the world to implement connected ball and player-tracking systems across all matches and, crucially, within training environments.
The initiative, announced on , centers around Sportable’s FIFA-certified Connected Ball technology, integrated directly into Nike’s official match balls. Complementing this is a comprehensive player-tracking system, set to be deployed throughout WSL fixtures. This combination promises an unprecedented level of insight into the nuances of the women’s game.
“Nike’s new partnership with us is built on innovation and putting players first,” stated WSL Football chief revenue officer Zarah Al-Kudcy. “Their desire to elevate the role of the ball through Sportable’s technology will enable us to provide enhanced performance data to our clubs as well as tell richer stories to our fans.”
The system isn’t limited to matchday analysis. Clubs will have the option to utilize the technology within their training facilities, granting athletes and coaches access to a wealth of data on every touch, movement and decision. This holistic approach aims to elevate performance, accelerate player development, and establish a robust foundation for the future of women’s football.
Currently undergoing testing, the full rollout is scheduled to begin with the season. The vision is a fully connected data ecosystem, encompassing both training and competition. This unified system will deliver detailed metrics including ball speed, spin, flight, high-intensity efforts, contextual workload, team shape, tactical patterns, and off-the-ball actions – providing players, coaches, and performance staff with the most comprehensive view of the modern women’s game to date.
Sportable CEO Dugald Macdonald emphasized the significance of this integrated approach. “It is a privilege to work with Nike and support WSL Football on a project that will meaningfully impact the progression of the women’s game,” he said. “The opportunity to create a consistent, data-rich view of performance, from training pitches to stadiums, is truly groundbreaking, and we are excited to help unlock the next level of insight for teams across the league and their fans via an enhanced, data-rich, broadcast experience.”
The WSL’s adoption of this technology underscores its position as a global leader in innovation within women’s football. The league is not only pushing the boundaries of performance analysis but also paving the way for a more engaging and informative experience for fans.
This move by the WSL mirrors a growing trend across professional sports, where data analytics are becoming increasingly integral to player development and tactical decision-making. However, the WSL’s commitment to implementing this technology at all levels – from elite competition to grassroots training – sets it apart.
Beyond the WSL, Mercury13, the multi-club ownership group dedicated to women’s soccer, has also announced a significant technology partnership. They have entered into a multi-year agreement with Catapult, making them the exclusive official elite sports performance analytics and GPS partner for all Mercury13 clubs.
This collaboration builds upon Catapult’s existing relationship with Bristol City Women and will now extend to FC Badalona Women and FC Como Women’s academy. The goal is to implement a “female-led, women-specific performance model” that integrates athlete monitoring, sports science research, and coach education.
“From day one, our ambition has been to build clubs designed specifically around the needs of women athletes,” said Mario Malavé, co-founder and co-CEO of Mercury13. “Partnering with the team at Catapult allows us to embed world-class performance technology and research across our ecosystem, tailored to the realities of the women’s game. By implementing an integrated model spanning athlete monitoring, coaching education, and long-term player development, we are strengthening professional standards and laying more durable foundations for elite women’s football.”
Catapult will provide a comprehensive performance system, including wearable devices, analytics platforms, centralized data management, and on-site practitioner support. This investment signals Mercury13’s commitment to providing its clubs with the resources necessary to compete at the highest level and foster the development of elite women’s footballers.
Both the WSL’s partnership with Nike and Sportable, and Mercury13’s collaboration with Catapult, represent a significant step forward for women’s football. By embracing data-driven technology, these organizations are not only enhancing performance on the field but also investing in the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport.