ONE of the world’s top sports analytics companies is looking establish an Irish base in Limerick with up to 50 new jobs to be created in the start-up phase.
US-based STATS registered a new Irish entity this month and it is believed that the multi-million dollar company will link up with the University of Limerick to establish the Irish operation.
Directors of Stats Sports Data and Technology Ireland include global company executives Kenneth Fuchs, Andrew Tate and Justin Estvold.
The US company provides statistics for the world’s biggest and most prestigious sports teams and could begin to foster partnerships with the likes of Munster Rugby based in Limerick.
This week, sources close to the Limerick property market told the Limerick Post that the firm was showing “huge” interest in the region with a deal likely to be struck in the coming weeks .
ESPN, Paris Saint Germain are amongst the client roster for the US firm that was sold in 2014 to US private equity firm Vista in a deal that put its valuation in the region of $200 million.
STATS has provided performance analysis solutions to three Rugby World Cup-winning Nations since 2003 and is the official data provider to the Top 14 French rugby union league and Shute Shield competition in Australia.
Earlier this year, an initiative was launched to attract sports-technology industries to the region.
At its launch last June, IDA business development manager Niall O’Callaghan said they were trying to position Limerick as a sports tech centre with our 23 overseas offices and in turn attract new companies to the Mid West.”
SportsTech Ireland seeks to develop sports technology research and business growth, and in particular, to create a National Sports Cluster in Limerick which could create up to 500 jobs.
Martina Skelly of patient-booking platform YellowSchedule, Gráinne Barry of digital health start-up Salaso, and Emily Ross of specialist PR firm Ink and Vine are spearheading the initiative along with the support of a wide body of stakeholders.
Martina Skelly said “Our research indicates that the market will be worth over $113 billion by 2021. Ireland is perfectly positioned to be a gateway for sports tech companies in the US, and to drive growth – both indigenous and from abroad – through the creation of a strong support network on the ground.”
Gráinne Barry added that Limerick is the ideal home for SportsTech Ireland.
“Limerick is at the heart of Ireland’s passion for sport. Not only that, a world-class university and sporting campus, access to the airport, competitive costs, and a wealth of space all combine to make Limerick one of the most attractive cities in Europe to do business.
