Aspire in the World Fellows Book - 2025

114 115 11TH ASPIRE ACADEMY GLOBAL SUMMIT ASPIRE IN THE WORLD FELLOWS ROUNDTABLETOPIC4: SPORTSTECH INSOCCER: WHEREAREWE? (08) [ 08.4 ] Ali Curtis SeniorVicePresident Major LeagueSoccer Innovation in soccer is a complex but essential element for advancing the game, both on and off the pitch. With a background that spans a footballing career, analytics at JP Morgan, senior executive roles at Red Bull, and now President of MLS Next Pro, I have been a part of how technology has reshaped Major League Soccer (MLS) over its 30-year history. Innovation is not an abstract concept but a practical, ongoing endeavor to evolve the game while respecting its rich heritage. He acknowledged soccer as a century-old sport that is beloved worldwide but also recognized that change—whether on the field or within organizational structures—is inherently challenging due to human nature. MLS’s approach to innovation, he explained, is deeply collaborative and team-oriented, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including league owners, sporting directors, coaches, and academy directors. MLS, now in its third decade, is positioned uniquely to leverage the collective intellectual capital of its diverse enterprise. The league uses specialized committees—such as the Innovation Committee, Video Analytics Committee, and Sports Science Committee—that facilitate idea exchange and collective problem-solving. These bodies enable MLS to pilot and implement new technologies and rule changes effectively. For example, MLS was an early adopter of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology and has recently experimented with innovative rules like the off-field treatment and timed substitution rules. These were initially tested in MLS Next Pro before being rolled out at the senior level, ensuring they enhance player safety without compromising the game’s integrity. The balance between data science and experiential intuition in decision- making is critical. It draws parallels to the context of the medical field, where even the most data-driven surgeons rely heavily on feel and experience. This triad—science, feel, and experience—is what guides coaches, sporting directors, and clubs in making sound choices. The diversity of MLS’s geographical footprint— encompassing different time zones, altitudes, and climate conditions— adds layers of complexity to data interpretation. The league office acts as a data aggregator, synthesizing localized insights to support clubs in their unique environments. Clubs with a strong, authentic sense of who they are and what they aim to achieve—exemplified by the Philadelphia Union—are better able to integrate technology and data into their culture. Looking ahead, technology’simpactextendingbeyond player performance to include fan engagement, scouting, recruitment, and broader organizational strategies. At Red Bull, GPS data helped resolve a dispute between a young player, his family, and coaching staff about his running workload. This objective data created a common language, fostering better communication and mutual understanding. Data and innovation are universal languages that bridge gaps and drive the sport’s evolution. Ultimately, he sees MLS and soccer more broadly continuing to innovate by blending technology, human insight, and collective effort to enhance every aspect of the game by connecting all different dots together. ROUND TABLE