Bundesliga 3D Data Challenge
DFL is looking for innovators to develop new applications powered by Bundesliga’s new 3D tracking system. The goal is to validate real-world use cases, leverage completely new data depth and explore partnership opportunities that can scale across the DFL ecosystem.
Selected teams collaborate directly with DFL and club experts, validate their ideas on real match data, and get the opportunity to take part in the SportsInnovation 2026.
Who can participate?
Startups, tech companies, researchers and innovators from any field who can create data-driven concepts using 3D tracking data.
#SportsTech #FootballData #3DTracking #VenturePartnership
🏆 Prize Co-Development + Scaling + Potential Long-Term Partnership
🕑 Deadline Feb 10, 2026, 10:59 PM🌎 Scope Global
❓Questions Feel free to join our Q&A Calls
📌Q&A Call with DFL Join a Q&A with DFL
Status Quo
In the following tab you will find all information regarding the 3D data setup and the DFL ecosystem.
Current State
The DFL has introduced league-wide 3D tracking for Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga at the start of the 2025/26 season.
3D data provides a significantly higher level of detail compared to traditional 2D tracking – capturing body posture, orientation and movement nuances that were previously inaccessible. This depth of data enables entirely new types of metrics, visualisations and automated insights.
The objective is to unlock new, high-value use cases enabled by 3D data and to identify external partners who can help turn this new data depth into meaningful products, services and insights.
3D Data – Status Quo & access
What data is available? The 3D tracking system captures extensive positional and biomechanical detail:
- Sampling rate: 50 frames per second
- Tracked individuals: 25 (22 players + 3 referees)
- Granularity: 21 anatomical body points per player
- Total volume: ~141,750,000 data points per match
The datasets include:
- Full 3D positional coordinates of all tracked body points
- Posture, limb angles and head orientation: angles, etc. are not directly available in the data set, but can be calculated from the data
- Micro-movement patterns and direction vectors
- Synchronised match context
Data access for participants
- After registration, participants get access to further documentation and an anonymized example dataset from a complete match.
- Additional datasets will be provided only to selected teams after the pre-selection phase and the signing of an NDA.
DFL ecosystem
To design a relevant and realistic solution, it is essential to understand where 3D-data-based use cases can be anchored within the DFL’s ecosystem. Each stakeholder group has different needs, constraints and integration requirements.
DFL & Sportec Solutions (STS)
- Responsible for data ownership, data governance and central data collection technology infrastructure.
- STS (DFL joint venture) operates tracking systems, match data pipelines, central analytics tools and video platforms.
- Potential home for solutions that can be rolled out centrally across all clubs (e.g., new KPIs, analytics modules, league-wide services) or that require technical integration into existing systems,
Clubs
- Primary users for topics like performance analysis, tactical evaluation, player development and scouting.
- Stakeholders can include coaches, analysts, athletic departments and scouting teams.
Media Partners
- e.g., broadcasters like Sky & DAZN -potential receivers of new visualisations, replays, volumetric highlights, data-driven storytelling and on-air graphics.
- Must operate within rights and licensing constraints.
Technology & Data Partners
- e.g., AWS, Sportradar - Relevant for high-scale computation, betting applications, automated KPI generation, AI/ML-driven analytics or integration into existing partner products.
- Solutions in this area must consider commercial pathways and partner ecosystems.
DFL Digital Sports
- Includes Bundesliga App, Website, Social
- Potential destinations for fan-facing interactives, visual tools, simplified KPIs and educational content.