The Premier League (PL), England’s top-flight football competition, has announced a four-year partnership with Rezzil, a leading virtual reality (VR) software developer.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bringing fans closer to the action through innovative VR technology.
The centrepiece of the partnership is the development of a VR game slated for release later in 2024. This immersive experience will transport fans directly onto the pitch, allowing them to step into the boots of their favourite stars from the top flight of English football. Fans will have an opportunity to recreate iconic goals and relive historic moments from a virtual reality perspective.
Rezzil’s VR software boasts a unique advantage – direct integration with Premier League match data. This allows clubs to utilize the software for recreating specific match scenarios and analyzing them in VR. Beyond its training applications, the software holds exciting possibilities for broadcasters and the wider gaming industry. By leveraging match data, developers can create even more immersive experiences that bring viewers and gamers closer to the beautiful game.
The partnership extends beyond software development as the premium football competition takes an equity stake in Rezzil. This strategic investment positions both entities at the forefront of advancements in VR and XR (Extended Reality) technology, paving the way for exciting new developments shortly.
Will Brass, the Premier League’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We are excited about the ongoing development of VR technology within football. Rezzil are highly respected in the field and have developed an excellent reputation with training products that are being used by many Premier League clubs alongside leading sports teams and leagues around the world. The applications for this technology are expanding quickly and this partnership will see the Premier League working with Rezzil on products that can help redefine player, fan and viewer experiences.”
Andy Etches, Rezzil Co-Founder, said, “We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with the Premier League. By combining our expertise in VR technology with the unparalleled excitement of Premier League football, we are looking forward to supporting the Premier League’s fan and player engagement ambitions. Working hand in hand together, we’re poised to bring VR technology to football in ways never seen before.”
Rezzil, a Manchester-based VR software company, specializes in developing sports gaming software for athlete training and game analysis within virtual reality. The software company’s technology is already well-established in professional football, with many PL clubs utilizing its applications. Additionally, Rezzil boasts partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and other major sporting organizations.
The first-division matches resume its thrilling run on Saturday, March 30. With just 10 games remaining, the title race remains wide open. Arsenal FC currently lead the pack with 64 points, closely followed by Liverpool FC who share the same points but hold a slightly inferior goal difference. The defending champions, Manchester City FC, remain in contention with 63 points. This sets the stage for a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion to the Premier League season.