The NFL’s HUGE Deal

September 25, 2023

You know the vibe. New Week, New Newsletter. Luckily for us, with that, there is A LOT to catch you all up on… Bringing you the very best that sports and technology has to offer, welcome back to The Sports Road. Enjoy!

Here's what we got for ya today:

  • The NFL’s HUGE Deal

  • Cricket: The Future!

  • Basketball is Changing…

  • Xbox and WHO!?

Most Valuable Sports Teams:

Let's get into it!

The NFL is About to Get a Whole Lot Better…

Look, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

Sport is changing. A Lot.

And yes, while that statement may seem incredibly broad, it stands more true than ever. Moving beyond strictly performance-based impacts, recent waves of technology – be it AI, VR, or anything else – has turned the sports world on its head.

Specifically though, the way fans interact with their favourite teams has never been as accessible as it is today.

Spiking majorly due to the explosion of social media, most people would tend to associate these new connections with online trends.

However, in doing that, you’d be forgetting perhaps one of the most integral parts of sport… Actually going to the game!

With there being no doubt that the way fans consume content is shifting the very same way, teams have had to accommodate for a newer generation of live fans.

Needing to create new elements of excitement and awe, the Philadelphia Eagles may have just cracked the code…

That’s right. In signing a deal with Sportsbeams, the NFL team is transforming in-stadium fan experiences.

Incorporating the award-winning tech firm’s high-powered LED lighting technology, fans will be further engaged into the on-field activity.

Whether it be to create a more intense atmosphere or single in on specific players, this could be game changing…

“We are always striving to provide a more engaging and welcoming environment for guests at Lincoln Financial Field… Sportsbeams' reputation as a world-class tech company and lighting solutions expert will take our in-stadium experience to the next level. Partnering with industry leaders like Sportsbeams enables us to drive innovation and creativity in all areas, including the fan experience at Lincoln Financial Field.”

Brian Napoli, Philadelphia Eagles’ Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnership

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

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The Future of Cricket

Whether you like it or not, social media has become an integral part of how sports teams operate.

Playing a key role in interacting with fans and gaining sponsors, having a strong online presence is crucial in every sense of the word…

Saying that, there’s been one platform which – for the last few years – has simply taken over. Delivering content faster and to wider spheres of people than ever, Tiktok has established themselves as a major player in the mainstream of social media.

Revolutionising media with their unique use of vertical, short clips, the style – which appeals to fans due to its simplicity – can now be found all across the internet.

But, to be honest, you probably knew all of that already.

So, for good reason, you may be wondering why this is all important. Well, earlier this week the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the introduction of vertical video production for the Cricket World Cup.

With the feed set to allow fans a far better grip on what’s going on in the tournament, this is what we know so far:

  • The vertical nature of footage will allow for the addition of split-screen coverage. This will give producers the opportunity to display far more elements of the game and give fans a greater grasp of the played actions.

  • The format will be set up in a way which will allow for key graphical overlays such as player and ball tracking.

  • Numerous feature match graphics and production enhancements will be used.

“The ‘vertical feed’ aims to deliver to digital users, enhanced convenience, engagement and immersion, beyond the differentiated screen orientation… With its uniquely designed production style entailing cameras, graphics, direction, replays and other enhancements, it promises to change the way cricket is watched.”

Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star

With the Tour de France, Bundesliga, and SailGP all turning to Tiktok in recent months, do NOT be surprised if this is the future of broadcasting…

Basketball is Changing…

You may be able to guess by their name alone, but GameChanger is changing the game! Alright, alright. We get it. That is exactly the sort of cringe you signed up for… Sorry 😅

Used by millions across the world, the company has a very clear goal.

Believing that youth sports can change people’s lives, GameChanger looks to offer those playing at Grassroots levels access to professional analysis.

Looking to help players realise their full potential, the sport offers services across a number of different sports.

To put things into perspective, the app was used at youth level by every single one of the top 50 prospects in the 2023 MLB Draft 🤯🤯🤯

However, this week, there’s been one specific development.

Revamping their Basketball features, the platform is looking to allow young ballers a far better idea of how they’re performing.

Using their unique technology, GameChanger is now able to automatically create clips for numerous Basketball stats.

Whether it be goals, assists, blocks, rebounds, or steals, now you’ll have proof to not end up like this guy!

We Need to Talk About: Xbox?

It’s that time of the year again, isn’t it…

Yep, that’s right. Right now, we are in the midst of the biggest sports video game drops of the year.

From UFC, FIFA, the NFL, F1, and more, now is the time for some of the world’s biggest sport organisations to make their stamp on the virtual world.

Being the case, now also happens to be one of the most important times of the year for those who digitally distribute these games.

With that, who’s ready for yet another wacky partnership? Just us? Oh, ok then… 😅😅😅

So, Alpine. You know, one of the other nine teams that don’t ever win. Well, they just signed with (can we get a drumroll please 🥁🥁🥁) XBOX!

With the agreement seeing the F1 team become yet another name in Xbox's impressive sport portfolio, they join a list involving major Football federations and WNBA teams.

“Today’s announcement with Alpine continues our push to reach more fans around the world through their love of sports. Motorsports is one of the most exciting sports categories in the world, with a diverse fanbase that comes together to embrace the thrill of competitive racing. Xbox and Alpine share common values when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we look forward to bringing the joy and community of gaming and racing to more people around the world through this exciting partnership.”

Jerret West, Chief Marketing Officer at XBOX

Having already seen the console’s logos on Alpine’s cars this weekend, get ready to see a whole lot more of these two!

Quick Bites

Meme of the day

Quote of the day

“Fair doesn't exist."

Mikel Arteta on player rotation

Picture of the day

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Chat to ya on Wednesday! ☮️