European League of Football and Stats Perform Deploy OptaAI to Expand American Football’s Reach Across Europe
New partnership brings Opta's official data, OptaAI tools and graphics to all 16 ELF teams to deepen fan engagement, amplify broadcast coverage, and support the league's rapid growth
15 May 2025 - Stats Perform, the global leader in sports AI, data and technology, today announced a strategic, multi-year partnership with the European League of Football (ELF), as the league accelerates its mission to establish American football as an integral part of the European sports scene and popularise it worldwide.
Under the agreement, Stats Perform will provide official Opta data for every ELF game, fuelling innovative coverage across its broadcast, digital and social platforms. The collaboration empowers ELF and its 16 teams to elevate gameday storytelling, spotlight rising stars and engage a growing European fanbase with real-time, data-driven experiences.
"The ELF is on a mission to turn American football into a mass-appeal sport across Europe, and compelling, real-time storytelling is at the heart of that effort," said Zeljko Karajica, Managing Director at the European League of Football. "With Stats Perform's world-renowned Opta data, insights and advanced OptaAI tools, we're giving every team the ability to deepen their media coverage, excite fans, raise the profile of our athletes and build lasting loyalty in a way that is scalable, professional and trusted."
As part of the deal:
- Opta Live, Stats Perform's live data and AI-assisted research tool, will enhance live commentary, social media posts, and media analysis with deeper player, team and play-by-play insights.
- Opta Graphics will power automated matchday visuals, making it easy for the ELF and its clubs to reach fans in real-time with shareable milestones, stories, trends and standout stats.
"American football is at an inflection point in Europe," said Steve Xeller, Chief Revenue Officer at Stats Perform. "By supporting the ELF's dynamic growth with our proven data storytelling platforms, we're helping them create the kind of fan experiences that turn one-time viewers into lifelong supporters-all while building a famous, cross-border sports brand."
The announcement follows similar recent partnerships between Stats Perform and Grand Slam Track, Concacaf, and the Northern Super League, all aimed at helping fast-growing sports properties engage new audiences and sponsors through data, AI and digital innovation.
