Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) has brought in artificial intelligence technology and scheduling platform Fastbreak.AI as a new partner.
Through a multi-year tie-up unveiled today (July 16), Fastbreak will use its software to manage the 17-club NRL's fixture-scheduling requirements, to "optimize operational efficiency, and improve competitive balance across the league."
Go deeper with GlobalData
The Fastbreak Pro Schedule software platform will be used to assist with the NRL's seasonal fixture scheduling during the tie-up.
This deal comes as the rugby league property looks to expand internationally, with games having been played in Las Vegas, USA, over recent years.
In addition, from 2028 onwards, a Papua New Guinea-based side will compete in the NRL, based in Port Moresby, while the government of Fiji has also endorsed a bid from a consortium on the island to bring an NRL license there. Overall, the league is eventually planning to increase in size to 20 sides.
Fastbreak Pro Schedule balances as many rules and regulations as necessary when creating a fixture list, including broadcast requirements, rest periods, venue availability, and blackout windows. Once the software has automatically generated a schedule, league personnel will still be able to make any necessary adjustments manually.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAndrew Abdo, chief executive at the NRL, said: "The NRL schedule is extremely complex and the Fastbreak platform will provide greater capability to balance the competing demands of major event planning, stadium conflicts, and team travel logistics.
"As we continue to expand domestically across Australia, and internationally in North America and throughout the South Pacific, our Fastbreak partnership will allow us to optimise the season schedule for the benefit of fans, players, and broadcasters.”
In terms of other Fastbreak.AI sporting tie-ups, the platform also managed the season scheduling for the inaugural campaign of TGL, the tech-infused golf league launched by legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy that held its first season in Florida earlier this year.
Early last year, meanwhile, Fastbreak.AI and North American basketball's top-tier NBA agreed a deal, which involved the NBA Equity investment vehicle becoming a seed round investor in the firm.
