Referee, Entrepreneur, Innovator: How Former Football Official Oren Simanian Built One of Sport’s Biggest Tech Companies

Long before he became one of the most influential figures in sports technology, Oren Simanian was a football referee with a passion for improving the game.

Today, Simanian is widely recognized as a pioneer whose innovations have transformed how football and several other sports are filmed, analysed and experienced by fans around the world.

His journey from the pitch to the boardroom is a story of vision, entrepreneurship and technological disruption.

From Refereeing to Reinventing Sports

As a referee, Simanian experienced first-hand the challenges of officiating fast-paced matches where split-second decisions often determined outcomes.

Those experiences sparked an idea: technology could provide better tools for broadcasters, analysts, coaches and officials.

Rather than remaining within football administration, Simanian chose entrepreneurship and began developing solutions that would bridge sports and cutting-edge technology.

Building a Sports Technology Giant

His company grew into one of the world's leading sports technology firms, specializing in automated camera systems, artificial intelligence, player tracking and advanced video production.

The technology enables sporting events to be captured with minimal human intervention while maintaining broadcast-quality coverage.

Today, the company's products are used by clubs, leagues, broadcasters and federations across multiple sports.

AI Changes the Game

One of the company's biggest breakthroughs has been the use of artificial intelligence to follow the action automatically.

Instead of relying entirely on traditional camera operators, AI-powered systems track the movement of players and the ball to produce live broadcasts.

The technology has expanded access to professional-quality coverage for lower-tier leagues, youth competitions and amateur sports that previously lacked television production resources.

Data Beyond the Broadcast

Beyond live streaming, Simanian's innovations have transformed performance analysis.

Coaches now use detailed tracking data to evaluate player movement, positioning and tactical patterns.

Clubs can access insights that were once available only to elite teams with large analytics departments.

The technology has become an essential tool in modern football development.

Expanding Across Sports

Although football remains at the heart of the business, the technology has expanded into basketball, tennis, volleyball, rugby and several other sports.

Automated production and performance analytics have become increasingly valuable as sports organizations seek cost-effective ways to improve both fan engagement and athlete development.

The company's global footprint now spans hundreds of organizations worldwide.

Innovation Driven by Experience

Simanian has often credited his refereeing background with helping him understand the practical needs of sport.

His experience on the field provided insights into positioning, movement and decision-making that later influenced the development of intelligent camera systems and analytical tools.

It is an example of how experience within sport can inspire technological innovation beyond the playing arena.

Shaping the Future of Sports

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the sports industry, Simanian's work remains at the forefront of that transformation.

From automated broadcasting to real-time performance analysis, his company's innovations are helping redefine how matches are produced, studied and consumed.

With AI becoming increasingly central to sports operations, demand for such technologies is expected to continue growing.

Looking Ahead

Oren Simanian's journey from football referee to sports technology entrepreneur demonstrates how innovation can emerge from practical experience on the field.

His success has not only changed sports broadcasting but also opened new possibilities for athletes, coaches, officials and fans.

As technology continues to evolve, his influence on the future of global sport is likely to remain significant.