META'S HUGE SPORTS DEAL!

September 08, 2023

And just like that, we’re back again with The Sports Road! With it nearly being the weekend, what better way is there to get ready for some of the world’s most exciting sports events than here with us? 😅 Enjoy!

Here's what we got for ya today:

  • Meta’s Newest Sports Deal!

  • The Future of Soccer

  • Life After Elite Sport…

  • AI is Changing the Game!

Most Valuable Sports Teams:

Let's get into it!

Meta’s Newest Sporting Adventure!!

Look, for the last couple of weeks it feels as though we’ve been repeating one thing over and over again…

DO NOT SLEEP ON THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!

Yes. While historically the sport has been fairly hostile to the idea of change – especially when related to technology – it feels like the Rugby world is beginning to welcome the idea of a more progressive approach.

Don’t believe us? Just look at some of the game's most recent announcements! From the creation and implementation of the ‘Smart Ball’, to delving into the world of AI, and even releasing a couple of NFT’s, those in charge of some of the world’s biggest Rugby organisations have not stopped.

And, to our pleasure, it doesn’t look like they will anytime soon…

That’s right. With World Rugby announcing a deal with Meta earlier this week, expect to see a storm of Rugby World Cup themed features across your timelines over the next couple of weeks.

Utilising Augmented Reality (AR) in their upcoming content release, Rugby World Cup stickers will be made available on Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp!

Looking to further encourage interactive experiences, Meta has revealed over 20 ‘Superfans’ – a team of fictional characters inspired by each of the tournament's nations.

Acting in similar ways to mascots, Meta plans to blend virtual and ‘real’ worlds through their implementation and – as ever – drum up interest in the tournament.

Sport is changing forever and you do NOT want to miss out…

Everyone knows just how important AI can be, but we’re here to help you reach the next level!

Want to improve performances? Learn a new sport? Push yourself like never before? Well, look no further than SportGPT.

Acting as your very own AI sports coach, our platform allows anyone – from amateurs to athletes – access to world class coaching anytime, anywhere, and for whatever need!

With our system evolving right alongside you, by using your unique progress, results will be optimised to help you realise whatever athletic need you have!

Already backed by thousands, this is your chance to play a key role in the future of sports training. 

It’s time to unleash your athletic potential.

Join to begin your journey today! Visit https://sportgpt.ai/ for more

U.S Soccer’s Groundbreaking New Partnership!

So, the MLS… While many wouldn’t consider it the pinnacle of the beautiful game, a couple of Football’s big boys could use some tips from America’s biggest commercial giant league 😅 

If Football, or Soccer, in the USA has done anything right recently, it’s been their EXPERT use of social media.

Building off Lionel Messi’s massive transfer to Miami FC earlier this summer, the league has been able to optimise viewership and monetisation options by simply (can we get a drumroll please 🥁🥁🥁) MAKING THEIR CONTENT UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE!

With the league experiencing what can only be described as an absolutely monumental boom in fans, the league has released highlight packages, goals, and behind the scenes content just on their social media platforms.

Giving fans access to the content for free, the MLS has capitalised on their situation AND have amassed millions of views.

But it doesn’t just stop there. In fact, U.S Soccer’s social media presence goes way deeper than we may think…

How? Using AI, of course!

Extending their partnership with Veritone earlier this week, the AI specialist will continue to officially act as the archive of record and licensing partner of U.S Soccer.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with Veritone, as they’ve been a key part in our efforts to efficiently manage our rights and optimise content monetisation at U.S. Soccer… We look forward to continuing this collaboration and utilising Veritone's state-of-the-art technology to further elevate our global reach and engagement within the soccer community.”

Judy Matthew, U.S. Soccer Vice President of Media

Leveraging its advanced AI systems to ensure that teams can efficiently manage and monetise released content, Veritone’s technology will look over everything from player interviews, to full match coverage!

Don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last you hear about Football in the United States…

Sport: The Future…

You know what they say… No one knows more about sport than the athletes themselves!

If that is the case, this next story may just change sport forever…

So before we get into things, we have a question for you guys.

Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Valterri Bottas, Raphael Varane, Christian Eriksen, and Jan Vertonghen. What do all these people have in common?

Yes, they’re elite level athletes who have all reached the pinnacle of their respective sports, BUT there’s something else…

They’re all confirmed to take part in a new $50 million fund from Apex Capital – a Portuguese investment firm.

Named the ‘Elite Performance Fund’, they will look to invest in sports media and entertainment.

Currently focusing on improving athletic performance, nutrition, and fan engagement, the potential for new tech-inspired sports startups is huge!

“We are thrilled to unveil the Elite Performance Fund, a dynamic platform that utilises Apex’s track record in combination with the unique perspectives of accomplished athletes… Unlike typical investors, our roots, experience, and insights come directly from the sports world. Athletes aren’t just our capital sources; they’re our partners. They infuse our decisions with genuine insights from their respective sports.”

António Caçorino, Apex Chief Executive

Claiming to have an athlete community of over 100 people, Apex has already worked with Kevin Durant and others to shine the light on some of sports most exciting companies.

With athletes seemingly taking more of an interest in personal investments, this move could open up MANY doors in the future…

Watch this space!

We Need to Talk About: AI (of course…)

Women’s Football is on the up! 🔝🔝🔝🔝

Following a hugely successful World Cup earlier this summer, the Women’s game saw a huge increase in viewership numbers and fandom.

With that, as you’d expect, will come the flow of some of the world’s biggest trends.

Enter, AI!

That’s right! Teaming up with Arsenal Women – the most successful team in the UK having won over 60 trophies – ABBYY, specialists in intelligent automation, is looking to change the game forever!

Striking a multi-year deal, the partnership will see AI leveraged in order to improve the experience for fans on matchdays, as well as support the sustainable growth of the Women’s game.

With ABBYY set to use its advanced AI solutions to streamline the day-to-day work that goes into running a Football club of Arsenal’s magnitude, fans should expect to see their presence more and more in and around club media and events.

Perhaps most importantly though, the two will launch a new campaign focused on the future development of the game.

Named Game Changers, ABBYY and Arsenal will use their platforms to promote sport, education, and social programs which will see access to technology and career development be prioritised.

“We're delighted to announce ABBYY as the latest partner of Arsenal Women. Our women’s team has a history of setting new standards in the game, and this is yet another sign of our strong commercial position and our potential as a club. We are passionate about bringing like-minded, pioneering partners with us on our journey. ABBYY will not only support us with our own digital transformation but also in continuing to promote sustainable growth in the women’s game.”

Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer

Quick Bites

Meme of the day

Quote of the day

"Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi. I don't see the rivalry like that. The rivalry is gone. It was good, the spectators liked it. We shared the stage for 15 years and ended up being, I'm not saying friends, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other."

Cristiano Ronaldo

Picture of the day

Do you want to rep your favourite newsletter? Refer your friends and colleagues to the Sports Road and you could win big

It’s easy to spread the word. Copy and paste your unique link below and share it in an email or on your timeline

Ps - please respond to this email to help us beat the dreaded spam filters!

Chat to ya on Monday! ☮️