Details

  • West Ham United has teamed up with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Crayon to launch a custom AI-powered talent identification platform, becoming the Premier League's first club to deploy a generative AI-based, end-to-end scouting system.
  • The initiative utilizes AWS tools like Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock, supported by AWS’s Generative AI Innovation Center and Crayon’s expertise, which previously contributed to AI projects in the Bundesliga.
  • This platform brings together physical player metrics, technical performance data, match context, and player profiles, allowing scouts and coaches to evaluate talent by performance, playing style, team dynamics, age, experience, and financial compatibility.
  • Unlike clubs relying on off-the-shelf analytics providers, West Ham has developed a proprietary system tailored specifically to its tactical requirements and internal scouting workflow.
  • The AI-powered tool supports global player benchmarking and streamlines recruitment by identifying untapped talent markets, reflecting a broader trend in elite sports toward cloud-based, data-driven decision-making.

Impact

By adopting a bespoke generative AI scouting solution, West Ham is setting a new standard for Premier League recruitment and underscoring the growing importance of proprietary data systems in football. This move puts pressure on rivals to accelerate AI adoption as the technology expands from fan engagement into essential player evaluation. Expect similar AI-driven transitions across European clubs in the coming year.