Player Headshots
SportsDataIO delivers licensed NFL headshots, MLB headshots, NBA headshots, and NHL headshots through seamless integration with our APIs, made possible by our partnership with USA Today. Please contact our sales team at sales@sportsdata.io for access to these endpoints. We recommend using the headshots with transparent backgrounds for maximum flexibility in your applications.
NFL Headshots
When – April - December
Source – In-Game Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nfl#player-headshots
Guide – OTAs and minicamps run from April to June; we process NFL headshots of drafted rookies from these events, updating them again during preseason once players are in uniform.
MLB Headshots
When – February - October
Source – MLB Spring Training Media Days + Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/mlb#player-headshots
Guide – Most MLB headshots are sourced during Spring Training media days and updated throughout the season (trades, call-ups, etc.) with in-game photos, as media day access is only once per year.
NBA Headshots
When – September - June
Source – NBA Media Days + Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nba#player-headshots
Guide – Most NBA headshots come from team media days and are updated during the season for trades or roster changes with in-game photos.
NHL Headshots
When – October - April
Source – In-Game Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nhl#player-headshots
Guide – NHL headshots are sourced in-game throughout the season and updated as players move teams or lineups change.
Headshot Packages
Official Headshots:
The official headshots for the Big 4 leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) are provided via licensed third parties. These studio-shot images are delivered preseason, serving league documentation and promotional needs. These have transparent backgrounds. Examples can be seen here:
SportsDataIO can facilitate contact with the relevant third parties if required. Please contact us with your needs for a quote.
Converted Headshots:
We also offer, directly through our own API, converted headshots via our partnership with IMAGN. These are action photos that are cropped to headshot dimensions, and are available either with the original background, or with the background removed. These are available for the big four plus golf.
Here are examples both with and without backgrounds.
