Everton Football Club has appointed SmartFrame Technologies as its official photography and image-streaming distributor.
The leading UK-based tech provider is reshaping the online digital image standard, allowing Everton to better showcase high-quality imagery and bring supporters closer to matches, events, moments, and memories.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Everton will gain ownership of its official images and all associated copyright. Alongside the club’s in-house photography team, leading sports agency action press international and renowned photographer Bob Martin and his team will exclusively distribute images online using SmartFrame’s innovative image-streaming technology.
Everton will also benefit from additional commercial revenue derived from SmartFrame’s ad tech solution, which offers occasional advertising and sponsorship placements displayed within images. The revolutionary platform is already being adopted by some of the biggest brands in sport and entertainment and allows advertisers to connect with new global audiences.
All SmartFrame images provide interactive features like full-screen viewing and Hyper Zoom technology as standard, as well as crucial protection against image theft and misuse, and data that informs the Club as to how audiences are interacting with Everton content.
“Whether they’re used to inform, entertain, or help relive magical moments on the pitch, images are an essential part of our online communications,” explains Scott McLeod, Head of Engagement and Communications at Everton. “To have greater control and visibility over their use, and to be able to offer these official images to publishers, means we can reach new audiences around the world while simultaneously engaging our existing fans in fresh ways. We’re excited to be leveraging SmartFrame’s technology and exploring new commercial opportunities for our archival and future content.”
Rob Sewell, CEO and co-founder of SmartFrame Technologies, said: “I’m delighted that Everton has chosen to adopt our model and join several other prestigious sports brands in transforming the way images are published, viewed, and monetized online. This agreement marks another stride forward in our commitment to building an image ecosystem rooted in ethics and transparency, and this will only grow stronger as more organizations like Everton come on board. I very much look forward to our journey working together.”
