Monthly Archives: April 2025

United Super League Announces League-Wide Deal With Kitman Labs For Advanced EMR System

Kitman Labs, the global enterprise SaaS company delivering the only fully centralized operating system for performance intelligence in elite sports, today announced a new partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) that will see all eight clubs competing in the USL Super League deploy the Performance Medicine Solution in Kitman Labs’ iP: Intelligence Platform.

Now in its inaugural season following an August 2024 launch, the USL Super League is operated by the United Soccer League and marks a new era for women’s professional soccer in North America. Through this league-wide partnership, each club will leverage a centralized and configurable medical operating system that enables the aggregation and activation of all player health data.

The Performance Medicine Solution—one of four core solutions within iP: Intelligence Platform—is the only system natively built to integrate both medical and performance data into a single, comprehensive platform. This will give member clubs a real-time, 360° view of their respective players from a health and readiness perspective while generating insights to improve athlete welfare, reduce injury risk, and drive performance outcomes through actionable intelligence.

Key capabilities powered by Performance Medicine for USL Super League clubs include:

Standardized league-wide medical documentation and data collection – eliminating gaps and inconsistencies while supporting club-level configurability and compliance.
Cross-department collaboration – aligning medical and performance teams to support evidence-based decisions around player health, care, and wellness.
Operational efficiency – enabling practitioners to spend less time on admin and more time on athlete treatment and development.
Comprehensive, consistent datasets – laying the foundation for league-wide research, injury surveillance, and innovation.

All staff, coaches, and practitioners from across the eight Super League clubs will utilize the shared platform as a single source of truth. The resulting analytics will help inform data-led, evidence-based decisions on and off the pitch.

“We have the opportunity to build a cutting-edge data and analytics infrastructure from the ground up—a secure, fully integrated and scalable platform that benefits the league, the clubs, and most importantly, the athletes,” said Amanda Vandersort, USL Super League President. “With this system in place, our medical and performance staff can make better decisions around injury prevention, rehab, return to play, load management, and overall athlete care.”

“We’re proud to partner with the USL Super League in its inaugural season and be part of this defining moment for women’s professional soccer,” said Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs. “The league has a clear vision for innovation—prioritizing player health, performance, and longevity. With iP: Intelligence Platform, the USL has the foundation to scale and unify medical data management and analytics, equipping every club with the technology and intelligence needed to make data-informed decisions and elevate athlete care.”

The league’s eight inaugural clubs—Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, DC Power FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington SC, Spokane Zephyr FC, and Tampa Bay Sun FC—are competing for the championship, set to be decided in June.

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top leagues, governing bodies, teams, and athletes across 26 countries and multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology is currently used by more than 2,000 teams and organizations, including the NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSL, Unrivaled, Premier League, and NCAA.

iP: Intelligence Platform represents the industry’s largest dataset of talent, performance, and medical data, supporting every stage of the athlete lifecycle.

Dave Checketts And The Cynosure Group Announce New Private Equity Joint Venture

Dave Checketts, an influential figure in global sports business, and The Cynosure Group, a diversified private investment firm founded by the Eccles family, today announced the formation of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital, a new strategic collaboration dedicated to investing in high-potential sports opportunities. Work has begun on identifying and implementing plans in the global sports space, with several deals already in the pipeline, and their initial fund targets commitments in excess of $1.2 billion. The partnership will have offices in both New York and Salt Lake City.

This strategic collaboration combines Checketts’ unique experience across four decades in sports management and investment, with Cynosure’s established investment expertise and financial resources. It also reunites two powerful entities who worked closely to keep the Utah Jazz of the NBA in Salt Lake City over 30 years ago, effectively jumpstarting one of the most desirable sports investment communities in the world today.

“This partnership is a dream come true for me, reuniting me with the Eccles family, who were key in keeping the Jazz in Salt Lake City, bringing the Olympic Winter Games to Utah in 2002 and building tremendous intercollegiate athletic programs in the state,” said Dave Checketts. “By joining forces today with The Cynosure Group, we are creating a powerhouse entity with assets that will make us competitive on a global scale and will give us great opportunities to help shape the future of the industry right away.”

“We have known Dave Checketts for nearly half a century, since the years when our family’s bank provided the financing for the Utah Jazz, and we’ve always admired his achievements and integrity,” added Spencer P. Eccles, managing director of the Cynosure Group. “This venture brings together Dave’s storied career in the business of sport and his remarkable team, with Cynosure’s disciplined investment process and financial horsepower. We’re confident that Cynosure | Checketts will quickly establish itself as a leading investor in this space.”

Randal Quarles, Chairman of The Cynosure Group and former Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve, added: “Sports represents a unique asset class with tremendous growth potential. By partnering with Dave Checketts, whose expertise in building value across multiple sports properties is unmatched, we are positioning ourselves to capitalize on the most compelling opportunities in this dynamic market.”

Strategic Investment Focus

Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital will target investments across multiple segments of the sports industry, including:

  • Professional and collegiate sports teams
  • Sports leagues and governing bodies
  • Stadiums, arenas, and other sports facilities
  • Sports technology and innovation companies
  • Media rights and broadcasting ventures

MLS, MLS Next Pro And MLS Next Expand Collaboration With Kitman Labs To Unify And Optimize Player Pathway Data

Major League Soccer (MLS), MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT today announced an expansion of the work being done alongside Kitman Labs that will help complete the management of the player pathway across the three organizations. Teaming up to centralize MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and performance data into an integrated platform to drive connectivity between competitions, teams and players, this collaboration will ultimately help define and solidify player pathways from the academy level all the way up to MLS first teams. 

The initiative – which will completely unify all MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT operations and player performance data into one advanced operating system, is being led by MLS Assist. Developed to help advance the technological infrastructure of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, MLS Assist will aid in elevating the level of play and competition through innovation. 

“The focus of MLS Assist is to streamline the technology behind our competitions by consolidating solutions, modernizing sports management processes, and standardizing the reporting and distribution of our sports data,” said John Sullivan, MLS Chief Information Officer. “A key goal is digitizing the player pathway—using integrated technologies and data-driven systems to modernize scouting, optimize player development, and build a smarter, more connected talent pipeline. By aligning efforts across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT, the Sporting Technology department and Kitman Labs are building an innovative and scalable foundation for how the game is managed.”

The new League Operations Solution and MLS Intelligence Platform has launched this season and will consolidate and streamline program-wide operations and build a unified data set for players, staff, coaches and games played at every level across MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. The ability to now collect this data across the pathway represents a critical and foundational step in understanding, defining and optimizing the player pathway.

“Through our work with MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT, we are building a strong foundation—one that not only identifies and develops talent but also fosters a competitive, sustainable ecosystem. Too often, organizations are held back by disconnected systems that create inefficiencies and obscure the full picture of player development and league operations,” said Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Kitman Labs. “With the launch of the League Operations Solution in iP: Intelligence Platform*, we’re working to empower MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT by unifying their data, streamlining operations, and ultimately unlocking transformative growth—ensuring they continue to be a destination for top talent while delivering an exceptional experience for players, practitioners, partners, and fans alike.”

MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT are the first soccer leagues to launch the League Operations Solution from Kitman Labs and will include:

  • Player and Staff Registration: Simplifying the registration process with a streamlined, scalable approach that reduces administrative burdens while enhancing data quality.
  • Fixture Management: Provides a centralized view of all fixtures and automated tools for rescheduling, ensuring more streamlined processes and better communication across all stakeholders. 
  • Discipline and Eligibility: Centralizes the tracking of disciplinary actions, ensuring consistency and compliance. 
  • Match Reporting: Provides a centralized platform for match reports, making critical data accessible and actionable. 
  • Digital Match Rosters: Automates roster management, ensuring eligibility and providing critical match information to stakeholders. 
  • Scheduling: Simplifies scheduling logistics with automation and real-time updates.

“The commitment of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT to provide best-in-class management of their respective competitions and the player pathway has been supported by the recent expansion of our work with Kitman Labs,” said Paul Grafer, MLS Senior Technical Director, Competition. “Collaboratively, we have developed customized software that serves as the administrative backbone for MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT. We are excited by the opportunity these tools present to improve the management of each MLS, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT competition while enhancing various aspects of the player development pathway.”

Kitman Labs has an established track record of working with top governing bodies, leagues, teams and athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer/global football, basketball, rugby, and American football. The company’s technology has been used by leagues and teams in some of the world’s most elite sports organizations and universities including the NFL, NBA, NWSL, Premier League and NCAA.

Ten Finalists Named in Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs

The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.

Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.

This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:

  • Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.

  • Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.

  • Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.

  • Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.

  • Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.

  • Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.

  • Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.

  • Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.

  • South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.

  • Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”

The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.

BCL Americas Opens Today: Ten Things to Know in the American Association This Week

The Baseball Champions League (BCL) Americas gets underway today at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City, with a team made up mostly of players from the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) reigning champion Kane County Cougars representing the league in the six-team international competition.

Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the BCL and AAPB this week:

  • Hosted by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in conjunction with the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), the 2025 BCL Americas features the Cougars and five other champion clubs:
    • Leñadores de Las Tunas (Cuba) – Serie Nacional Champions
    • Pirates de Santa Maria (Curaçao) – Curaçao Baseball League Champions
    • Tigres de Chinandega (Nicaragua) – Liga de Béisbol Profesional Nacional
    • Titanes de Florida (Puerto Rico) – Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A
    • Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico) – Mexican Baseball League (LMB) Champions and tournament hosts
  • These teams are divided into two groups:
    • Group A: Diablos Rojos del México, Tigres de Chinandega, Titanes de Florida
    • Group B: Kane County Cougars, Leñadores de Las Tunas, Pirates de Santa Maria
  • Play begins today in the Round Robin portion of the contest, with the Cougars taking on Santa Maria at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT). Vin Timpanelli (Staten Island, N.Y. / Ramapo (N.J.) College; 1-2. 2.70 for Kane County last year) gets the starting assignment on the mound
  • Some of the notable players on other teams competing in the event include:
    • Aristides Aquino, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Robinson Canó, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Francisco Mejía, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jose Pirela, Diablos Rojos del México
    • Jonathan Schoop, Santa María Pirates
    • Andrelton Simmons, Santa María Pirates
  • The format includes two group-stage games for each team (today through Thursday), followed by crossover games between second- and third-place finishers (Friday). Winners from those matchups advance to the semifinals (Saturday), and the championship game will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m ET / 3 p.m. CT.
  • Kane County also plays on Thursday vs. Leñadores (4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT) before QF/Semifinal matchups the next two days.
  • All BCL games involving the Cougars are available for free live viewing at aabaseball.tv, as well as broadcast partners Fubo, Unbeaten, Ryz Sports Network and Gray TV.
  • There are several companies that are helping support the American Association and its players in participating in the Baseball Champions League:
    • Carbliss – ​Carbliss is a Wisconsin-based company offering premium, ready-to-drink, handcrafted cocktails that are zero carbs, zero sugar, gluten-free, and only 100 calories per serving
    • CAPX – CapX Lab is a headwear innovation company offering a range of customizable hats designed with intention
    • Champro – Champro is a sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1986, providing high-quality sports apparel, uniforms, equipment, and accessories for youth, women, and men across various sports
    • VensureHR – Vensure is a leading provider of human resources services and technology, offering comprehensive solutions including payroll processing, employee benefits, risk management, and compliance assistance to small and mid-sized businesses
  • In the inaugural 2023 edition of the BCL, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks captured the international baseball world’s attention by storming through the field in Mérida, Mexico, and claiming the first-ever title
  • The AAPB season gets underway on Thursday, May 8, when Kane County hosts Sioux City and Cleburne entertains Winnipeg.
  • The original American Association was formed in 1902 as an independent minor league circuit for Midwestern U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Louisville and others. After several iterations, the realignment of Major League Baseball in 1997 spelled the end of the venerable league in that form. But in 2006, a new league formed using that great name, the result of a merger between two other “independent” leagues. Today, the AAPB is 12 teams strong and is a Major League Baseball Partner League operating in nine states and one Canadian province.