Earlier this summer, Toronto-based media company theScore created the first sports chatbot for Facebook messenger.
In spite of minor buzz about the new form of artificial intelligence communication across sports, theScore is still optimistic that chatbots can be integrated into the sports conversation.
“The bots itself provide a channel with less friction and also lend us an opportunity to deliver sports information to the more casual sports fan,” said Riaz Lalani, Vice President of Product at theScore.
According to Lalani, the chatbots allow fans to stay up-to-date on the latest news with their favorite college or professional sports teams. Instead of a fan having to download a specific app, fans can communicate through Facebook Messenger and receive updates instantaneously via theScore. There is even the option to follow specific teams and receive game scoring updates, schedule alerts and other news.
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As Lalani described, the chatbot option is ideal for the casual fan who wants to stay current with the local professional sports team, so he or she can be informed for when the ‘Water Cooler’ discussion occurs every Monday morning at the office. Fans can also access the chatbots through a few channels, including in the Facebook Messenger app on Android or iOS, Messenger.com or Facebook itself on desktop.
While theScore has seen value in the chatbot technology, there are still other ways for fans to follow their favorite sports and teams, including social media, team applications and other traditional means.
How will teams, leagues and other media entities, like theScore, use chatbots to enhance the fan experience? Will there be a distinct differentiator or will it be just as easy to follow teams on social media? Personally, I think 2017 will determine whether chatbots become an attractable communication and news vehicle or if they slowly fade away.