On January 16, 2026, global technology supplier Lenovo announced an official partnership with the football club Borussia Dortmund, designating it as its AI Innovation Partner. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced AI hardware to enhance Dortmund’s online capabilities, setting a new standard for innovation within the Bundesliga.
The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to innovation and rapid decision-making, aligning with the pace of Bundesliga football and the ongoing digital revolution. Lenovo’s portfolio will include AI operations, personal computers, workstations, ThinkSmart solutions, and servers, designed to transform operations at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in Dortmund. This infrastructure will enable advanced data analytics, enhancing administrative and coaching functions, similar to AI technology used in previous FIFA events.
“The FIFA World Cup in 2026 is going to be the greatest show ever on planet Earth,”
said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, emphasizing the event’s massive global audience. He stated that approximately six billion people would watch the tournament from home, while seven million fans are expected to attend the 104 matches, underscoring the significance of AI-powered stabilization software to enhance video quality during the competition.
“Seven million people will attend the 104 matches [the equivalent of] 104 Super Bowls, dozens of millions of fans will travel to North America to feel the FIFA World Cup vibe,”
Infantino remarked, highlighting the importance of technology for the event. Lenovo’s technology will include AI systems capable of smoothing footage in real-time, enhancing the viewer experience. This partnership is expected to streamline decision-making processes, building on Lenovo’s successes with AI deployments in previous FIFA tournaments, where accurate data analysis enhanced both VAR and overall game analytics.
According to Mirco Krebs, Vice President and CCO EMEA at Lenovo, “Technology can make all the difference, not only in business, but also in elite sports. As Borussia Dortmund’s AI Innovation Partner, we bring our powerful AI hardware to where every second counts: where game-changing decisions are made in a split second.”
Carsten Cramer, Speaker of the Management Board for Borussia Dortmund, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Borussia Dortmund stands for tradition, but also for progress. We believe that modern technology can help us improve at all levels – whether on the pitch or in the organization. We share this aspiration with Lenovo, and we look forward to taking steps together toward a smarter future.”
This partnership not only focuses on immediate advancements but also aims for long-term strategic impacts. The introduction of Football AI Pro, an AI-powered enterprise knowledge assistant, promises to deliver performance insights and data analytics to coaches, players, and analysts during the FIFA World Cup 2026. This initiative was unveiled at Lenovo’s Tech World @ CES 2026 event in Las Vegas, featuring appearances by Infantino and Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang.
The collaboration seeks to capitalize on lessons learned from Lenovo’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, which demonstrated AI’s potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of critical decision-making processes.
Looking ahead, this partnership positions Borussia Dortmund as a leading force in the Bundesliga and beyond. The integration of advanced AI technologies may extend to virtual training scenarios by 2027, offering immersive experiences for players. With an estimated investment of $2 billion, Lenovo’s commitment to redefining the football landscape through AI could significantly enhance the matchday experience for fans, particularly in the iconic Yellow Wall section of the stadium.
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