Founded in 1929, LaLiga football is one of the world’s most technically sophisticated and popular professional leagues. The competition includes 41 teams in the first and second divisions of professional football in Spain. It is a member of the Federation of Spanish Football (RFEF) and participates in the National Commission against Violence. The Association also takes on social outreach work through its Foundation.
The LaLiga Foundation was established in 1993, and it is responsible for running a number of socio-educational projects through football. These projects aim to transform society through positive footballing values.
LaLiga’s technology event, held for the second time in Asia, showcased cutting-edge football technologies. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the evolution of video replays were among the innovations on display. A new goal probability metric was also unveiled, claiming to be the world’s first predictive football metric. The team behind the metric has analyzed two years of football data to produce the metric. They found that the best players miss less shots than observers may think.
LaLiga’s digital ecosystem combines channels, services, and data, creating a comprehensive picture of the game. Its Sunlight Broadcasting Planning service provides a preview of the TV image, indicating stadium areas in shade or sunlight. It also helps to schedule kickoff times. The tiebreaker for La Liga matches is head-to-head record over two matches, and a goal difference subtracted from goals scored. In addition, a goal probability metric is combined with AI to predict the outcome of a match.
LaLiga’s audiovisual product benefits sponsors and broadcasters. During the 2017/18 season, television production reached 2.8 billion viewers worldwide. ITV has secured the rights to show LaLiga football until 2024/25.
The LaLiga Global Network is a community of delegates from countries across the globe who are responsible for expanding LaLiga’s global reach. Their responsibilities are underpinned by the organisation’s international offices. The Global Network delegates are based in destinations on five continents.
In December 2017, over 17,000 fans attended El Clasico public screenings in Delhi. The public screening was part of a social project run by the LaLiga FOUNDATION and AFDP Global, a local NGO. The project seeks to help children living in Za’atari refugee camp to improve their quality of life.
Since 2013, LaLiga has undergone a series of strategic transformations, including the creation of a digital ecosystem. This will enhance the fan experience and help to increase the League’s global growth. CVC Capital Partners has invested in the League to strengthen competition. In return, LaLiga will retain the management of its audiovisual rights.
LaLiga is working to expand the League’s presence in South East Asia. It has a regional office in Singapore and is actively reaching the region. As a result of its global expansion, LaLiga has become a role model in the sector.
LaLiga works closely with the National Sports Office and State Law Enforcement Agencies. They submit a weekly report on chants and the occurrence of violence in stadiums. It is also involved in a social outreach programme called Fans of the Future, which teaches children to identify anti-sporting attitudes. In addition, LaLiga is a member of the RFEF’s Competition Committee.
