Chip-enabled ball preparations in the Süper Lig: The cost and infrastructure requirements of the new system draw attention

The countdown has begun for the integration of sensor technology into match balls in the Süper Lig. According to the planning, Turkey will be one of the major national leagues preparing to use the system known as the “chip-enabled ball” in the second half of the 2026-27 season.

The application, commonly referred to as the chip-enabled ball, is not just a sensor placed inside the ball. The system relies on the combined operation of an internal inertial sensor, high-speed tracking cameras, AI-supported data processing, and the VAR infrastructure. Therefore, the transition process involves additional aspects beyond purchasing new balls, such as stadium infrastructure, technical personnel, and data processing capacity.

The IMU sensor placed inside the ball can measure contacts made with the ball hundreds of times per second. This data is evaluated alongside camera systems in processes such as determining the exact moment the ball leaves the foot in semi-automated offside applications and verifying referee decisions.

COST AND INFRASTRUCTURE TOPICS STAND OUT

One of the most debated aspects of the new technology is the cost. The price of chip-enabled match balls is higher than standard balls. It is stated that the match ball version of the Trionda, the official 2026 World Cup ball produced by Adidas, is around 170 dollars due to the special chip inside.

However, the cost is not limited to the price of the ball. The system requires VAR integration, new camera placements, data processing infrastructure, trained technical personnel, and logistical planning. Sensor data is used in conjunction with special tracking cameras placed in the stadium; these cameras monitor both the ball and the players, providing data to the artificial intelligence system.

The three-year official ball agreement signed by the Turkish Football Federation with Adidas in 2025 is seen as one of the factors facilitating the adaptation of sensor technology to the league ball. Adidas's patent structure in technology and its official ball sponsorship play a decisive role in the transition calendar in this area.

In Europe's five major leagues, the use of chip-enabled balls has not yet become widespread. The main reasons for this include different ball sponsors, existing VAR infrastructures, patent structures, and high installation costs. Although the Bundesliga returned to the Adidas ball this season, the model used does not contain a chip; the semi-automated offside system operates via optical tracking cameras.

In women's football, the Women's Super League in England is expected to use chip-enabled ball technology as of the 2026-27 season. While goals for a fully automated offside system have been expressed on the LaLiga front, no clear announcement has been made regarding the use of sensors in the official match ball.