A roundup of some of the key sports technology stories you need to know this morning, including SportTechie’s own content and stories from around the web.
Friday, Mar. 1, 2019 – ESPN’s new alternative viewing option will debut for tonight’s NBA game between the Bucks and Lakers, while the start of the MLS season this weekend will see LAFC kick off its digital ticketing partnership with Ticketmaster. In more soccer news, an English team is expanding its presence in China through esports, and a new study suggests real-world soccer players may be at heightened risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease ALS.
- EPL’s Wolves Launch Esports Team in China: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC is expanding its presence in China through a new FIFA esports team called Wolves Weibo eSports. Wolves is working with Jingzong Culture Media Company, a partner of Chinese social media platform Weibo, to form the team. “This collaboration is very exciting as it will see us partner with a world class esports club and one of the biggest media platforms in China,” said Russell Jones, Wolves Head of Marketing, in a press release.
- LAFC and Ticketmaster Sign Long-Term Deal: Second-year MLS team Los Angeles FC announced a long-term partnership with Ticketmaster to support a new mobile-entry only ticketing system. Starting this upcoming season, LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium will be equipped with Ticketmaster’s ‘tap and go’ entry system for fans using mobile tickets. Last season the club sold out all 17 games played at the stadium, hosting an average attendance of 22,042 fans.
- ESPN Debuts Full Court Press for Bucks-Lakers: ESPN is launching its Full Court Press viewing option for tonight’s Milwaukee Bucks-Los Angeles Lakers game, according to a media release. Through ESPN3 or via the ESPN app, fans can choose from four viewing modes: Coach Mode, Player Mode, Mascot Mode, and an analysis feed featuring ESPN writer Zach Lowe and former NBA coach Tom Thibodeau. Full Court Press was designed by sports analytics firm Second Spectrum, whose technology also powers the Clippers CourtVision platform.
- Virtual Cyclists Can Upgrade Their Bikes: Virtual indoor cycling platform Zwift has launched an online store that lets users purchase new bikes and wheels for their in-game avatars through Drops, a virtual currency developed by the company. Drops have no real-world value and are only obtained through the number of miles ridden, feet climbed, and calories burned in-game. This past December, Zwift also announced a $120 million Series B fundraising round to grow its esports cycling league.
- Study Suggests Link Between Soccer and ALS: A preliminary study by researchers at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan, Italy, has hinted that professional soccer players might have an increased risk of developing the brain disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After examining 25,000 male professional soccer players who played in Italy from 1959 to 2000, researchers found that players tend to develop ALS 21 years earlier than the general population.