Effective October 23rd, Opta will manage all data collection around USL matches and deliver statistical analysis to offer a more in-depth experience for fans, media partners and clubs.

The data will be published on the USL website, with real-time data available through Opta's match widget solution. Teams in the league will also permitted to integrate the data on their own websites.

Opta will also provide press box statistics and infographics for use on social media, as well as a centralised broadcast feed that will launch in partnership with the league's media arm USL Productions.

The USL agreement further extends Opta's partnership portfolio with leading football leagues, which includes the English Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga, and Australia's A-League.

USL was established in 2011 and is the third professional division of men's football in the US after the top division Major League Soccer and the second-tier North American Soccer League. It is split into Western and Eastern conferences, with 13 teams contesting the Eastern league and 15 in the Western.

"We are pleased to partner with Opta, whose expertise in sports data offers a competitive advantage to our players, coaches and teams while making deep insights available to our passionate fans," USL president Jake Edwards commented. 

"It is a huge benefit to the USL Digital Network and USL Productions, allowing us to meet and exceed the demand of our ever-growing supporter base as well as the appetite of today's soccer consumer, who are equally driven by content and engagement."

Angus McNab, vice president of North American content for Perform, added: "Opta is delighted to enter this partnership with the USL, one of the fastest growing sports leagues in North America, who join our global portfolio of rights holders in soccer.

"USL's sustainability and plan for strategic growth have impressed our team and position Opta to provide the tools which will enhance the professional game in the United States and Canada."