Friday, Mar. 22, 2019 – A roundup of some of the key sports technology stories you need to know, including SportTechie’s own content and stories from around the web.
- CFL Combine Quarterbacks to Use Wilson Smart Footballs: Three QBs in this weekend’s Canadian Football League combine will be using the X-Pro Connected Football designed by Wilson Sporting Goods. The sensor-embedded ball and connected training system will measure a quarterback’s arm strength, mechanics, timing, and throw quality. “In essence, we are replacing what we’ve relied on for years—the “eye test”—with quantifiable facts on a player’s ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, timing and much more,” said Kevin Murphy, General Manager at Wilson Sporting Goods, in a press release.
- The UFC Continues Chinese Expansion With Qutoutiao Partnership: As major sports teams and leagues continue to target Chinese Expansion, the UFC has launched a new partnership with Qutoutiao, a Shanghai-based short-form video platform. Qutoutiao’s UFC account will showcase video content including live event highlights, athlete features and interviews, and the Knock-Out of the Week. According to Qutoutiao, the company’s platform is the second biggest mobile content aggregator in China in terms of monthly average users.
- The AAF Partners With Opendorse to Build Players’ Brands: A deal between the Alliance of American Football and marketing platform Opendorse offers to help players build their own brands through social media. AAF players and the league’s social team will now have access to the platform to share content across social media channels. Opendorse also has publishing partnerships with the WTA, the PGA Tour, and the NFLPA. The AAF launched this February, six days after the Super Bowl, and has embraced the use of technology.
- DAZN U.S. Subscription Fee Will Double Next Week: The streaming platform DAZN is raising its monthly subscription cost from $9.99 to $19.99. The company will also rollout a new $99.99 annual plan. Current subscribers can still pay the original $9.99 monthly fee for the next year. “The interest in—and the value of—the annual pass will continue to evolve as we continue to build out content beyond fight sports,” said DAZN’s Executive Vice President Joe Markowski, according to the Los Angeles Times.
- Washington Wizards Are Using ChyronHego Coach Paint Video Tool: Graphics and data visualization firm ChyronHego announced yesterday that the Washington Wizards have been using its Coach Paint video telestration tool throughout the current season. The tool has allowed coaches to graphically illustrate key points to players in pre-game meetings. “The tool is simple and intuitive, making it easy to use familiar visual effects to help players understand key concepts going into a game. It has become an integral part of our pregame routine,” said Jimmy Bradshaw, the Wizards’ video coordinator, in a press release.
- SF Giants Launch Retail and Data Partnership With Fanatics: The Giants announced a 10-year omnichannel partnership with Fanatics, which will give the company the rights to operate all Giants Dugout Store locations, including its flagship store at Oracle Park. The online retailer will use its data platform to identify unplanned “micro-moments” where Fanatics can create and distribute quick-turn merchandise throughout the year. “The real-time offering can progressively track rising players, record-breaking moments and hot new items,” reads a press release from Fanatics.