BIG Developments...

May 02, 2023

It’s Tuesday, and what better way to get ready for a big week ahead... Welcome back to The Sports Road! Like the Xavi to your Iniesta, we’re here to make sure that you’re up to par. So here we go – sports, tech, jokes, and cringes. Enjoy!

Here's what we got for ya today:

  • NHL in The Metaverse

  • MMA, Get Ready

  • The Next Big Thing

  • Apple Are Back at it

Most valuable public market sports teams

Let's get into it!

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail 

Let’s not beat around the bush. As the world continues to change, sport is no mere passenger. 

With technology beginning to take a serious hold over nearly every facet of life, the way in which the next generation consumes information is constantly evolving. If our favourite teams want to keep up, they have to react NOW.

And that’s exactly what the NHL have been doing…

From new AI-based broadcasting to a groundbreaking deal with Disney, the Hockey league is clearly focusing on creating clearer avenues for the next generation to engage with their content.

So with that, you may be asking yourselves – what now?    

Well, the NHL is going virtual. Let us explain… 

Launching their very own virtual experience on Roblox, the NHL are once again placing a focus on engaging with the next generation. 

This is what we know so far:

  • Becoming available to users this week, ‘NHL Blast’ will give fans the opportunity to participate in 5-a-side games and virtually link-up with one another

  • The platform will eventually allow fans the opportunity to recreate some of the biggest moments from the sport

To do this, the NHL will enlist the help of ‘Beyond Sports’. Using the company’s system, the NHL will be able to effectively capture and analyse data to visualise real life events. 

Focusing on engaging their fan-base with one another, the NHL can work to create a global community similar to those seen with some of the biggest leagues in the world. 

“We’re certainly going in thinking we can reach kids and young teens, but we [also] want people who haven’t really experienced the NHL to experience it in a completely different way and become comfortable and familiar with elements of our game.”

Dave Lehanski, EVP for Business Development and Innovation at the NHL

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Time to Break Through 

Guess what, the virtual revolution doesn’t stop there…

Putting on some of the craziest fights across various disciplines of martial arts, ONE Championship deserves its flowers. 

I mean just look at this. Utterly ridiculous, and it isn’t even that uncommon in the organisation!?

Having been in serious negotiation with some of MMA’s biggest fighters – see what ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong had to say about Francis Ngannou – it’s no secret that ONE is ready to throw hands against some of the world’s biggest organisations.

Working to create a global fan-base, the company is exploring something new – Web 3.0.

Yep, teaming up with Hong Kong-based tech company Animoca, ONE have announced their plans to create a blockchain-based mobile game. 

Named ‘One Fight Arena’, fans will be allowed digital ownership in game assets. Whether it be through NFT’s or other blockchain-backed systems, fans will be able to engage with the company like never before.

Focusing on strategy based gameplay, fans will be able to step into the shoes of their favourite fighters. 

With the news coming out only a week before the company’s first event in the USA, don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last you hear of ONE. 

“We’re thrilled to work with an industry leader in Animoca Brands to launch ONE Fight Arena, our first Web 3.0-enhanced video game… This partnership will give us the opportunity to engage with our global fan base at a deeper level through a unique gaming experience.” 

Hua Fung Teh, co-founder and group president of ONE.

The Next Ronaldinho

Well, Ronaldinho may have the answer… 

This is what’s going on:

This week, the Footballing great announced the creation of his own worldwide street Footballing league.

Yep, that’s right. Intent on providing young ballers an opportunity to show their skills on a large-scale, the initiative could give a chance to those who would not have managed to get one. 

Likely to begin in late 2023, the process to participate will feature a social media tryout where players can upload and showcase their skills.

It doesn’t stop there though…

After the completion of the tournament – which is to be held globally – Dinho is planning to take some of the best players and create his own team. 

Similar to that of the Harlem Globetrotters, the team could go on to become global superstars!    

“We believe there is massive value in the space — and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the players of the future”

Ronaldinho 

Apple x Sport x AI

Really? Again?

You couldn’t think we would get through an entire newsletter without mentioning AI, did you? 

With the amount of devices Apple releases, it’s getting hard to keep up…

Look, we hear it all the time. 

“I’d love to start working out, but I just don’t know where to start.”

Well, Apple is looking to solve that issue. Yep, *allegedly* the company is looking to create an AI fitness companion…

Releasing with the Apple Watch 9, the AI is set to link to the Fitness Plus app, managing to link its powers with your personalised information. 

Acting similarly to ChatGPT, the AI will be able to use your data to direct what workout plans and diets should look like.

In fact, some reports even say that it’ll be able to track emotions!

While a good idea in theory, this could end up being pretty, how should we put this… Suspicious.

Entrusting AI with such key aspects of your life could lead to many issues if not done correctly. Whether it be with your diet or daily routine, if someone acts upon advice given by AI and it turns out badly, that would NOT be good…

So let us know, would you use it?

 Quick bites

Meme of the day

😂 😂 

Quote of the day

"I’d be into this. How am I showing up here and I’ve already got the belt? Come get it, baby! Come get the strap, baby!”

Conor McGregor during his appearance at BKFC

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Chat to ya on Wednesday! ☮️