Linius Technologies and SportsHero bring customised soccer channel to fans in ‘world first’

Linius Technologies (ASX: LNU) has collared a deal with SportsHero (ASX: SHO), which will see SportsHero using Linius’ cloud-based video assembly technology in its app in what has been hailed a “world first” for every soccer fan, giving each fan their own “hyper-personalised soccer channel”.

Linius’ technology enables users to customise video so they only see content that is relevant to their individual tastes and viewing preferences.

The parties have entered a master services agreement, which will allow SportsHero to licence Linius’ technology and include it in the SportsHero app, including the Kita Garuda app which was developed for the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

Full commercial terms were not disclosed, but Linius noted it was at its standard pricing with revenue dependent on uptake of the service.

PSSI has a fan base of 80 million people, four leagues and 128 teams. Earlier this year, SportsHero became the association’s exclusive provider and partnered with PSSI to build its first official app, which included social media, merchandise/e-commerce, game highlights and player access.

The app went live in late June and is available in Google Play and Apple’s app store.

With Linius’ technology, PSSI app users will be able to search and watch highlights of their favourite players, the best goals, goal keeper saves, injuries, substitutions, penalties, red cars – basically any content based on their own criteria.

“This truly is a world first for soccer, or any sport for that matter, and we’re excited to be working with SportsHero to provide every PSSI soccer fan with the ability to create their own channel,” Linius chief executive officer Chris Richardson said.

“Fans will be able to completely customise content based on their viewing preferences. Millions of fans will have the ability to create, watch and share millions of personalised channels.”

Mr Richardson explained Linius’ unique data-driven video assembly cloud-based technology is what enables personalised TV to be delivered worldwide.

“No one else can do this,” he added.

SportsHero plans to pursue further agreements with other leading football and sports leagues across Asia and the world.

In addition to the Kita Garuda app, the agreement allows for Linius’ technology to be deployed for SportsHero’s future clients.

“The securing of the Linius technology is a significant development for SportsHero and has the potential to significantly boost engagement within the Kita Garuda mobile app,” SportsHero chief executive officer Tom Lapping said.

“Personalisation has become a significant trend in video content and we are excited to be able to offer this to our customers as part of our white label solution.”

News of the deal spurred Linius’ share price up more than 11% to reach $0.048 mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, SportsHero’s share price was up 1.56% to $0.065.