If data is the new oil, then its insights are the new money.

The sports analytics and data market has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, with an estimate that this industry will reach an unprecedented valuation of $8.4 billion by 2026. Several factors have contributed to this rapid development, notably adopting AI and ML technologies that made it easier to collect and calculate player Performance Data. 

This growth surge has attracted various data aggregators to capitalize on its profitability through data exploitation, by means of selling or licensing the Performance and Competition Data of the players to data aggregating companies, including bookmakers, punters, game developers, etc. These companies have been utilizing this data to make accurate predictions about match outcomes, odds and player development with unprecedented precision. Athletes who stand witness to the commercial exploitation of their “Performance Data” are now questioning the use of personal data without their explicit consent by such data aggregating companies. In response, many of the companies have asserted that it is not the players’ Performance Data being sold or licensed, but rather the Competition Data of the sporting event.

Project Red Card is a legal action taken by hundreds of current and former professional soccer players in the UK against game developers and organizations involved in the use of player data. The lawsuit centers on the alleged unauthorized use of player statistics and performance data in video games, betting, and other commercial applications.

Key Details:

1. Claimants. The lawsuit involves over 400 professional soccer players, including high-profile names, who claim their performance data was used without consent or compensation.

2. Defendants: The defendants include companies like Electronic Arts (EA), which produces the FIFA video game series, and betting companies that use player data for sports betting.

3. Core Issue: The players argue that their performance data, such as stats, appearances, and other in-game attributes, is their intellectual property. They claim that companies profited from this data without their permission or fair compensation.

4. Legal Basis: The lawsuit is based on the idea that player data is protected under data protection laws (such as GDPR in the EU) and intellectual property rights. The players seek compensation for the alleged misuse of their data.

5. Potential Impact: If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for how player data is used in sports, gaming, and betting industries. It could also lead to significant financial payouts and changes in how data is licensed and monetized. The outcome will not only impact the athletes involved but also shape the future landscape of data rights and privacy in the sports industry, potentially leading to stricter regulations and better protection for athletes’ personal information.