The Football League's deal with IntechnologyWiFi to strengthen clubs' connectivity and commercial opportunities
The English Football League has agreed a major long-term partnership with IntechnologyWiFi in a deal that will strengthen each clubs’ digital connectivity with their fans and enable them to create more commercial opportunities.
All teams competing across the three tiers of the Football League could have the opportunity to get their stadiums Wi-Fi fitted and an accompanying official club app as part of a new seven-year contract which the Football League has agreed with IntechnologyWiFi.
The news follows on from last month’s announcement that the Football League was opening its digital platforms to tender as part of plans to expand the breadth of online services it offers the 72 member clubs.
As part of the deal IntechnologyWiFi will provide each club with its own official app that will deliver real-time tailored content to fans such as news and highlights. The apps will also offer exclusive betting promotions from the League’s title sponsor Sky Bet.
A key factor in the agreement is the fact that the financial disparity between clubs competing across the different divisions of the league will not stand in the way.
A Football League representative told The Drum that the contract agreement would see IntechnologyWiFi take on board the cost of installing the Wi-Fi and delivering the apps as part of a capital investment arrangement. The Yorkshire-based company will generate its revenue from the deal through the commercial revenue share generated by the apps and Sky Bet.
IntechnologyWiFi chief executive Peter Wilkinson described the deal as a “much needed game-changer” for the club and their fans.
He said: “Anyone who has tried to log on in a stadium during a busy football match will know the sheer frustration of poor connectivity caused by bad Wi-Fi or overburdened networks, which can also be hugely expensive for users.
“Our solution will revolutionise the digital matchday experience for fans, harnessing the power of great Wi-Fi connectivity and the smartphone in the palm of their hand to deliver a market-defining digital content offering.”
Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey added: “Once again, the Football League is leading the way with regard to delivering digital solutions to its member clubs, so that they can enhance the supporter experience at matchdays.”