European Leagues Partners With LaSource to Support Centralised Sports Data Value Chain Project
Paris, France | February 2026
European Leagues and LaSource have been working together to shape the Sports Data Value Chain (SDVC) project: a strategic initiative designed to help member leagues gain more control of their sports data and build the foundations for a shared, future-ready data ecosystem.
As sports data becomes increasingly central to commercial growth, fan engagement, and league operations, the SDVC project explores the opportunity to develop a centralised data platform that reduces fragmentation, standardises definitions and processes, and unlocks new opportunities for collaboration and monetisation across the ecosystem.
“The evolution of sports data has been central to many discussions with our member leagues over the past years. We now see real momentum to go further and create additional value and commercial leverage for leagues by helping them take a more influential position within the Sports Data Value Chain, together with the right partners,” said Chris Gerstle, Commercial & Business Development Director at European Leagues
Collaborative Strategic Governance
The success of this initiative is driven by the collective expertise of the member leagues. Throughout this process, European Leagues has worked in close collaboration with a dedicated Steering Group, ensuring the project remains aligned with the practical and commercial realities of professional football. The Steering Group consists of key representatives from the following leagues:
Danish League: Ole Knudsen / Mounir Akhiat
Dutch Eredivisie: Marc Rondagh
Football Data Co.: Adrian Ford / Mark Bowden
French LFP: Thomas Cado
German Bundesliga: Hendrik Weber
Norsk Toppfotball: Thomas Torjusen
Swiss Football League: Frank Schaffner
Their leadership and insights have been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the SDVC, providing a blueprint that serves the interests of both individual leagues and the wider European football ecosystem.
What LaSource and European Leagues delivered together
As part of this phase of the Sports Data Value Chain initiative, European Leagues commissioned LaSource to conduct a structured audit and technical design exercise to establish a shared baseline and define an actionable path forward. The work included interviews with 14 leagues, covering all Steering Group members as well as additional European and non-European leagues, followed by the development of a phased architecture design and proposed roadmap.
“We are proud to support European Leagues on this foundational project. At LaSource, we’ve been advocating for Leagues to regain control over their main assets, including sports data. Not in a defensive move, but to lead innovation across the ecosystem. Centralising data is a cultural shift that will empower leagues and strengthen the entire football ecosystem.” Leander Monbaliu, Managing Partner
European Leagues: Key takeaways and what’s next
This first phase confirmed a strong and shared ambition among leagues to strengthen sports data sovereignty and build a common foundation for the future. It also provided a clear, structured framework for moving beyond conceptual alignment and into execution, by defining the strategic objectives, technical principles, and phased approach required to make the SDVC initiative actionable.
Building on this work, European Leagues and its member leagues will meet in Düsseldorf in March before SportsInnovation to progress into the next phase of the initiative as part of its annual in-person Commercial and Business Development meeting, co-hosted with the DFL.
About European Leagues:
The European Leagues is the common voice and representative body for professional domestic football leagues across Europe. It brings together 40 professional leagues representing more than 1,170 clubs across 34 countries and over 70 football divisions. The Association works to enhance and protect competitive balance in domestic competitions while developing business opportunities for its member leagues.
About LaSource
LaSource is a global sports consulting agency specialising in sports technology, data, media, and commercial innovation. LaSource works with sports organisations and technology companies to support international expansion, market positioning, and long-term commercial development.
