AI-Powered Video Revolution Transforms Amateur Football Coverage in Spain
Artificial Intelligence and automated cameras are revolutionizing the broadcast and community building of amateur football in Spain, making matches more accessible and financially beneficial for clubs.
- • ATM Media uses AI-driven automated cameras to broadcast lower-tier football matches.
- • Over 200 clubs across various sports adopt this technology, including Barcelona's Damm football school.
- • Clubs pay 250 euros monthly for broadcasting services, while fans subscribe via the E+ platform.
- • Future plans include multicamera AI broadcasts; human creativity remains central to football success.
Key details
Amateur football in Spain is experiencing a significant transformation thanks to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automated camera technology. Traditionally, modest football matches have lacked audiovisual coverage, leaving players’ memorable moments undocumented. However, ATM Media is changing this narrative by providing cost-effective, automated broadcasting solutions dedicated to amateur and lower-tier football.
Jordi Roquer, CEO of ATM Media, highlights the importance of democratizing football coverage, noting that "the more images a club has, the larger its community can grow." The company utilizes AI-powered cameras, originally developed in the United States in 2018, which track player and ball movements to deliver panoramic and predictive match views. Currently, over 200 clubs across 17 sports, including the prestigious Damm football school in Barcelona, are using this technology to enhance player training and match analysis.
ATM Media broadcasts more than 700 matches every weekend via its E+ platform, which has amassed over 90,000 users. Amateur clubs access this service for 250 euros monthly, while individual fans pay 3 euros, with 50% of revenue supporting the clubs financially. The operational model leverages automation for mechanical tasks but retains human oversight, transforming rather than eliminating jobs.
Looking ahead, Roquer envisions expanded AI capabilities such as multicamera broadcasts, although such developments remain distant for professional leagues. Despite the technological advancements, experts like Unai Ezcurra from RCD Espanyol emphasize that player creativity and talent continue to be the sport's defining elements, with big data's decisive impact yet to materialize in match outcomes.
This AI-driven revolution in modest football coverage not only preserves precious match moments but also fosters community growth and financial support for amateur clubs, marking a critical step forward in Spain’s football ecosystem.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
