ShareThe Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) has announced it will introduce Sportable’s FIFA-certified “Connected Ball” technology from the beginning of the 2026/27 season. By Alex ConnorIn a transformative move for the women’s game, the WSL becomes the first football league in the world to adopt Sportable’s technology, which uses patented sensors embedded in Nike’s official matchballs and player-tracking systems to provide live performance data and heightened analysis. Sportable’s fully connected data ecosystem will operate at all WLS matches in the upcoming campaign and is an optional tool for every club to deploy in training environments. Several WSL clubs have implemented the Connected Ball and player-tracking mechanism into training and consistently into match preparation ahead of a wider rollout later this year.The ball technology has been extensively tested to ensure reliability, with the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance & Tracking Systems (EPTS) already certifying Sportable’s Portable LPS tracking product, confirming the positional data’s accuracy. The system aims to uncover and present unprecedented real-time insights for teams, furthering the innovation and development of the future of women’s football. Sportable, a data and analytics company, has a multi-year partnership with Six Nations Rugby and has made analytical breakthroughs in American football. But it’s now ventured into football, teaming up with Nike and the WSL in an uncharted development that promises to raise the sport’s standards.“Nike’s new partnership with us is built on innovation and putting players first,” says Zarah Al-Kudcy, the Chief Revenue Officer for WSL Football. Nike have previously rolled out boots for all players and gloves for goalkeepers without personal endorsement deals. A fully wireless, portable data ecosystem takes 10 minutes to set up, then 12-16 lightweight beacons create a live 3D map of players and the ball, with data generated and delivered within 800 milliseconds. The ball sensors reveal information on its speed, spin, and flight. GPS-ready player wearables then provide movement data, giving greater insight into effort, load and performance. This system allows for analysis of every on-field action and detailed feedback, which can be utilised before, during or after a match, helping to elevate performance and tactical understanding of the women’s game. Sportable CEO Dugald Macdonald is excited to introduce the data-driven product. “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,” Macdonald said. This new technology is also projected to deepen fan engagement through optimised sports broadcasting. In the Six Nations, augmented reality graphics used real-time data to create match stats on actions such as kick distance, pass distance and territory gained, which were presented across broadcast and digital channels. Al-Kudcy added that Nike’s “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 near-zero latency gives broadcasters increased storytelling potential, enriching the fan experience by creating more engaging and informative game-related content.Macdonald, who co-founded Sportable in 2015, 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.” Sportable are a global leader in data performance and technology, which looks to enhance the experience for all relevant parties, including the players, clubs, broadcasters and fans. Women’s football has rapidly gained momentum in recent years, and this inclusive, data-driven technology is set to unlock more immediate value, enjoyment and knowledge for everyone involved in the sport. A new era is here for the WSL. (Images courtesy of Sportable , WSL match action from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the WSL with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) has announced it will introduce Sportable’s FIFA-certified “Connected Ball” technology from the beginning of the 2026/27 season. By Alex ConnorIn a transformative move for the women’s game, the WSL becomes the first football league in the world to adopt Sportable’s technology, which uses patented sensors embedded in Nike’s official matchballs and player-tracking systems to provide live performance data and heightened analysis. Sportable’s fully connected data ecosystem will operate at all WLS matches in the upcoming campaign and is an optional tool for every club to deploy in training environments. Several WSL clubs have implemented the Connected Ball and player-tracking mechanism into training and consistently into match preparation ahead of a wider rollout later this year.The ball technology has been extensively tested to ensure reliability, with the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance & Tracking Systems (EPTS) already certifying Sportable’s Portable LPS tracking product, confirming the positional data’s accuracy. The system aims to uncover and present unprecedented real-time insights for teams, furthering the innovation and development of the future of women’s football. Sportable, a data and analytics company, has a multi-year partnership with Six Nations Rugby and has made analytical breakthroughs in American football. But it’s now ventured into football, teaming up with Nike and the WSL in an uncharted development that promises to raise the sport’s standards.“Nike’s new partnership with us is built on innovation and putting players first,” says Zarah Al-Kudcy, the Chief Revenue Officer for WSL Football. Nike have previously rolled out boots for all players and gloves for goalkeepers without personal endorsement deals. A fully wireless, portable data ecosystem takes 10 minutes to set up, then 12-16 lightweight beacons create a live 3D map of players and the ball, with data generated and delivered within 800 milliseconds. The ball sensors reveal information on its speed, spin, and flight. GPS-ready player wearables then provide movement data, giving greater insight into effort, load and performance. This system allows for analysis of every on-field action and detailed feedback, which can be utilised before, during or after a match, helping to elevate performance and tactical understanding of the women’s game. Sportable CEO Dugald Macdonald is excited to introduce the data-driven product. “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,” Macdonald said. This new technology is also projected to deepen fan engagement through optimised sports broadcasting. In the Six Nations, augmented reality graphics used real-time data to create match stats on actions such as kick distance, pass distance and territory gained, which were presented across broadcast and digital channels. Al-Kudcy added that Nike’s “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 near-zero latency gives broadcasters increased storytelling potential, enriching the fan experience by creating more engaging and informative game-related content.Macdonald, who co-founded Sportable in 2015, 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.” Sportable are a global leader in data performance and technology, which looks to enhance the experience for all relevant parties, including the players, clubs, broadcasters and fans. Women’s football has rapidly gained momentum in recent years, and this inclusive, data-driven technology is set to unlock more immediate value, enjoyment and knowledge for everyone involved in the sport. A new era is here for the WSL. (Images courtesy of Sportable , WSL match action from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the WSL with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.