Premier League signs four-year deal with Manchester VR developer

The Premier League has today announced a four-year partnership with Manchester VR developer Rezzil – the league has also taken an undisclosed equity stake in the software company as part of the deal.

Rezzil is a specialist in the production of sports gaming software for athlete training and game analysis within virtual reality. Rezzil applications are widely used in professional football, including by Premier League clubs Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers as well as teams in other leagues and sports.

The Premier League and Rezzil will work together on the development of a VR game, which is expected to be launched later this year. The game will place users on the pitch and in the boots of their favourite Premier League players, offering fans a unique opportunity to recreate iconic Premier League goals and moments from within the perspective of virtual reality.

Rezzil software integrates directly with Premier League match data allowing clubs to adapt the software to re-create match scenarios and replay them through a VR headset. The software also has potential applications for broadcasters and the wider gaming market, who can use the match data to bring viewers and gamers closer to the action on the pitch.

Premier League CCO Will Brass 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.”

The partnership will also place Rezzil and the Premier League at the forefront of exciting new developments in VR and XR (Extended Reality) technology, not just within gaming but for applications such as tactical training for injured players or practicing heading the ball without exposure to the dangers of repeated ball/head impact.

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.”