Premier Sports Network Announces Strategic Partnership with Systems Planning & Analysis to Strengthen Counter-UAS Protection Across Sports and Entertainment Venues

As stadiums, arenas, major live events, and entertainment venues face increasing concern over unauthorized drone activity and evolving airborne security risks, this partnership marks a significant step forward in helping the industry better understand, assess, and mitigate these threats.

From matchday disruptions and privacy breaches to serious safety and security vulnerabilities at high-profile events, the rise in drone-related incidents is creating new operational challenges for venue owners, operators, governing bodies, and event organizers worldwide. With major tournaments, concerts, and mass-attendance events under increasing scrutiny, the need for specialist expertise has never been greater.

SPA is globally recognized as a leader in C-UAS innovation, delivering sophisticated red-teaming, risk assessment, policy compliance, and mitigation capabilities designed to protect critical infrastructure and crowded public environments. Their expertise spans drone detection technologies, threat intelligence analysis, airspace vulnerability assessments, strategic planning, and integrated response solutions tailored to each venue's unique operational needs and environments.

SPA also provides complete turn-key UAS surveillance solutions designed to enhance physical security operations effectiveness with taskable eyes in the sky. As the world of drones has evolved, they not only pose risks, but also offer unique opportunities to enhance traditional security. SPA provides everything needed for a security team to utilize this capability, including hardware, planning, and piloting services.

Through this partnership, SPA will work closely with Premier Sports Network to expand awareness, education, and deployment opportunities for C-UAS and UAS surveillance solutions across the sports and entertainment ecosystem. Together, PSN and SPA will connect venue operators, clubs, federations, promoters, local and federal law enforcement, and event stakeholders with the expertise needed to proactively address one of the sector's fastest-growing security concerns.

The partnership builds on strong momentum generated at PSN's recent Venue Operations Summit, where SPA participated as a featured industry thought leader alongside senior representatives from Liverpool FC, UEFA, UK & Ireland 2028, AEG Europe, and other major rights holders and venue organizations. The summit marked an important milestone in opening sector-wide dialogue around aerial threat preparedness, showcasing lessons from both public and private sectors globally and highlighting how different markets are responding to the rapidly evolving risk landscape.

"It's essential that PSN stays aligned with the latest challenges facing the sports and entertainment industry, and to do this, we rely on our trusted network members and Advisory Board to identify the most significant risks and threats to their organisations. This enables us to deliver solutions that address real-world issues. We are delighted to be providing counter-UAS expertise to stadiums, arenas, and entertainment venues worldwide, in partnership with Systems Planning & Analysis, a company trusted by some of the most respected security forces globally. While drones are playing an increasingly important role in advancing the sports industry and enhancing the fan experience, it is vital that we remain aware of the risks associated with emerging technologies, ensuring that safety and security remain the highest priority."

PSN Founder and CEO Spencer Hidge

"Systems Planning & Analysis is proud to partner with Premier Sports Network to address the growing security challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity to sports and entertainment venues. By combining our leading counter-UAS expertise with PSN's industry insights, we aim to empower venue operators and event organizers with innovative solutions to safeguard public spaces and ensure uninterrupted experiences for fans and attendees. Together, we are committed to advancing aerial threat detection and mitigation capabilities across this critical sector."

SPA Chief Growth Officer Dave Hearding

"UAS technology continues to develop at a breathtaking pace. While this rapidly changing technology presents unique challenges when in the wrong hands, it also provides game-changing opportunities to enhance the entire security ecosystem when wielded properly by trained security forces."

SPA Senior Director, Emerging Markets Jeff Braun