Match TV API — schedule and results of matches

In the era of digital services and mobile applications, timely and structured sports data is the foundation of many products: from news feeds and broadcasts to predictive models and betting platforms. Sports APIs solve an obvious problem: they provide a single, machine-readable channel for obtaining match schedules, live results, in-game events, and historical statistics — without parsing pages or manual input.

In this article, we will focus on the topic «Match TV API — match schedules and results,» while comparing the service with the API-sport platform. API-sport provides an interface for accessing sports data — including schedules and live results.

Who it is useful for: developers of mobile and web applications, sports media teams, analysts and data scientists, startups in betting and fantasy games — anyone who needs accurate and timely sports data.

What is API-sport?

API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface that allows you to obtain structured data and interact with the system through predefined methods. In the context of sports data, this usually involves REST endpoints and streams (WebSocket) with:

  • match schedules (when, where, which teams);

  • live events (goals, cards, substitutions);

  • results and statistics (fouls, passes, shots, possession);

  • archives and history of team and player performances.

The API-sport platform, focused on the Russian/CIS market, provides live data, archives, and statistics for applications and services. API services of this type have developed as an alternative to large international providers, offering convenient rates, localized documentation, and coverage of Russian competitions.

In sports APIs, including solutions like API-sport, there is an extensive dataset, that covers all key aspects of events — from announcements to final statistics. This volume of information allows for the creation of full-fledged services that not only show match results but also analyze the game in detail.

Live results are the foundation of any sports API. The service transmits the current score, match time, and key events almost in real-time. This allows for displaying the dynamics of the game on websites, in applications, and even in analytical panels for betting or predictions.

Step-by-step match events allow for a deeper understanding of what is happening on the field. This is a detailed chronology: who scored, who provided the assist, when the substitution was made, how many cards the referee showed, and at what minute. Such data is important for analysts and developers creating live infographics, event feeds, and visualizations.

Team lineups are another important element. The API returns starting lineups, substitute players, and coaching staff. This is especially relevant for betting platforms and predictive systems, as the presence of key players directly affects the likelihood of match outcomes. Additionally, substitution data allows for tracking changes in the course of the game in real-time.

Player statistics allows for viewing each match from an analytical perspective. The API contains metrics for ball possession, shots, passes, pass accuracy, efficiency ratings, and even data on expected goals (xG). These metrics are in demand not only in betting but also in sports media, where rankings, selections, and analytical reviews are formed.

Transfers is a separate category of data showing player transfers between clubs, their value, dates, and sources of confirmation. Such data is useful for news portals, fan communities, and analytical systems tracking player movements in the market.

League tables provide current positions of teams in championships, the number of points earned, the goal difference, as well as statistics on recent matches. They can be updated in real-time or at certain intervals, allowing for the creation of dynamic tables for websites and applications.

Match archive is a database of past seasons and competitions. It contains results, events, and statistics of games over the years, making it an indispensable tool for historical analysis, building predictive models, and visualizing the development of teams and players.

Collectively, this dataset turns the API into a powerful tool that can serve as the foundation for any sports projects: from live broadcasts and analytical panels to mobile applications, predictive models, and integrations into betting systems.

Features of API-sport:

  • focus on local coverage and convenient registration;

  • adapted documentation and pricing grid;

  • the ability to start with a free plan or trial period.

Match TV API — schedule and results of matches

The API provides a dataset useful for calculating odds, analytics, and integration into betting services:

  • match results (final score, interim statistics);

  • step-by-step events (goals, cards, penalties, substitutions);

  • odds (if integrations with line sources are available);

  • lineups and substitutions — for analyzing team strength;

  • player and team statistics (shots, possession, passes, ratings);

  • transfers and player status (injuries, suspensions).

Supported sports

Football, hockey, basketball, tennis, volleyball, handball, esports, and other disciplines.

Technologies and formats

  • REST API — requests via HTTPS, responses in JSON;

  • WebSocket / SSE — streaming updates for live data;

  • Formats: JSON is the most common; XML is used less frequently;

  • Authentication: via API key or token in request headers.

Official access – registration, API key, pricing.

To connect to the API registration is required, obtaining a key and selecting an appropriate plan. This is the standard integration path for any sports API, including API-sport.

10. RapidAPI, SportRadar, and other platforms provide access to BetsAPI and Livescore API through their channels. This is convenient for developers who need ready-made integrations and reliable SLAs.

Popular data providers include RapidAPI, SportRadar, SportMonks, and others. Each differs in league coverage, data format, and cost.

12. Free plans usually include limited access to historical data and basic statistics. Paid subscriptions unlock:

  • Free tier: basic endpoints, limited requests, possible delays.

  • Paid plans: increased limits, access to live data, extended statistics, and archives.

17. Number of requests per minute/hour

  • limit on the number of requests per minute or day;

  • delay of live updates depending on the plan;

  • restrictions on leagues and licenses;

  • prohibition on public distribution of data without permission.

API Integration

Python (requests):

import requests

API_KEY = «YOUR_API_KEY»
BASE = «https://api-sport.pro/v1»

headers = {«Authorization»: f»Bearer {API_KEY}»}
params = {«league»: «rpl», «season»: «2025»}

resp = requests.get(f»{BASE}/matches», headers=headers, params=params)
data = resp.json()
print(data[«matches»][0])

JavaScript (fetch):

const API_KEY = «YOUR_API_KEY»;
const BASE = «https://api-sport.pro/v1»;

асинхронная функция getMatches() {
const res = await fetch(`${BASE}/matches?league=rpl&season=2025`, {
headers: { «Authorization»: `Bearer ${API_KEY}` }
});
const data = await res.json();
console.log(data.matches[0]);
}

getMatches();

Integration into CMS and mobile applications

  • WordPress: using a plugin or custom shortcode to display schedules and results.

  • Android / iOS: connecting via WebSocket or REST with caching to reduce load.

Using live data via WebSocket

Using live data via WebSocket significantly improves working with real-time information. Events arrive almost instantly, minimizing the delay between the action on the field and the update in the app. This approach also saves resources, as the server sends only changes instead of constant polling. Additionally, WebSocket ensures stability and the correct order of events, which is especially important for betting, analytics, and visualizing match timelines.

Where is it used?

  • In betting and odds scanners: for live strategies and line analysis.

  • In sports analytics: building models and forecasts.

  • In media and fan applications: displaying schedules and scores.

  • In Fantasy Sports and esports: for timely updates.

  • In BI and Big Data: for analytics and statistical reports.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • wide coverage of sports;

  • high data transfer speed;

  • convenient JSON format and REST interface;

  • there are free trial rates.

Cons:

  • paid rates can be expensive;

  • there are limitations on request frequency;

  • technical setup and support are required.

Let’s summarize.

Match TV API – schedule and results of matches – is a tool that helps developers, analysts, and media obtain accurate sports data in real time. For Russian and CIS projects, API-sport is an excellent choice, providing flexibility, local coverage, and convenient rates.

Useful links:

FAQ

Is there free access?
Yes, a basic plan with limited requests and latency is available.

What sports are supported?
Football, hockey, basketball, tennis, volleyball, esports, and others.

Is the API suitable for betting?
Yes, if live data and operational updates are used.

How to connect the API to the application?
You need to register, obtain a key, and make requests to the REST endpoints.

Can the API be used for predictions?
Yes, the data is suitable for analytical models and statistical forecasts.

How to reduce costs on requests?
Cache responses and use WebSocket instead of frequent polling.

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