Persistent Systems has announced a strategic partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns, a Major League Cricket (MLC) team, for the 2026 MLC season. As an official Re(AI)magining™ Partner, Persistent will leverage its AI and data expertise to enhance on-field performance and fan engagement. This collaboration aims to demonstrate the power of AI in high-performance sports environments, aligning with Persistent’s growth strategy in North America.
Persistent Partners with San Francisco Unicorns
Persistent Systems, a leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, has officially announced a significant partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns. This collaboration is set to commence for the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, positioning Persistent as an official Re(AI)magining™ Partner within the team’s premium sponsorship tier.
Driving AI and Data Innovation in Sports
The partnership underscores Persistent’s commitment to integrating AI and data-led innovation into real-world, high-performance settings. The San Francisco Unicorns will benefit from Persistent’s expertise in areas such as speed, adaptability, and insight generation, crucial for optimizing outcomes in competitive sports. This initiative is a key part of Persistent’s strategy to expand its AI capabilities in North America and to foster closer relationships with clients operating in decision-intensive environments.
#GameReAlmagined Campaign
The collaboration will be activated through Persistent’s dedicated campaign, #GameReAlmagined. This campaign is designed to explore how Artificial Intelligence can provide deeper insights into the game, making the ‘hidden layer’ more visible. It aims to enhance both on-field performance through data analytics and to enrich the overall fan experience.
Exploring New Avenues of Engagement
As the Official Re(AI)magining™ Partner, Persistent will actively engage with the San Francisco Unicorns in initiatives spanning data analytics, AI implementation, and fan engagement. The partnership extends beyond traditional sponsorship, opening avenues for potential innovation. With the MLC rapidly expanding its presence in key U.S. markets, this collaboration provides a unique platform to showcase how intelligence, analytics, and technology can shape both athletic performance and fan dynamics.
Integrated Brand Presence and Fan Experience
Persistent’s presence will be prominent across the team’s digital and physical platforms. The integrated engagement strategy includes on-field perimeter branding, team kit sponsorship, and a dedicated content property named ‘Persistent Coaches’ Corner’. This multifaceted approach aims to deepen storytelling and foster curated interactions, enhancing the visibility of the partnership and the insights it brings.
Executive Perspectives
Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Persistent, commented, “Cricket, like business, is becoming a game of intelligence as much as execution. The ability to convert data into real-time insight is increasingly the difference between good and great outcomes. At Persistent, we help organizations reimagine how AI creates advantage and this partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns brings that vision to life in a high-performance environment where every decision matters.”
David White, CEO of the San Francisco Unicorns, added, “Sport is evolving quickly, with data and technology playing a bigger role in how teams prepare, compete and engage with fans. Partnering with Persistent gives us an opportunity to explore new ways of applying these capabilities across performance and strategy. We also see strong potential to enhance how fans experience the game as it continues to grow in the United States.”
About the San Francisco Unicorns
The San Francisco Unicorns are a founding member of the Major League Cricket (MLC), launched in 2023. The team plays at the Oakland Coliseum and features prominent international cricket stars. Cricket Victoria serves as their high-performance partner. The team’s primary investors are Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan.
About Persistent Systems
Persistent Systems is a global services and solutions company specializing in AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization. With over 27,500 employees across 21 countries, Persistent is committed to innovation and client success. The company offers a broad suite of services including software engineering, product development, data and analytics, and intelligent automation. Persistent is recognized for its growth and commitment to sustainability, achieving carbon neutrality and participating in the United Nations Global Compact.
Source: BSE
