Thursday, Aug. 29, 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.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expects big tech companies such as Amazon, Google and Facebook to bid on the league’s broadcast rights once they become available in three years. “I do firmly believe that these other platforms are going to be players in future negotiations. And, frankly, they are in current negotiations,” Goodell told Sports Business Journal. According to SBJ, the league has talked with Amazon, DAZN and ESPN+ about its NFL Sunday Ticket package that’s under contract with DirecTV through 2022. Amazon’s broadcast of Thursday night games saw a viewership increase of 47% last season.
NFL INJURIES: Sensor-Laden Mouth Guards Being Used to Study Concussions
- International basketball governing body FIBA has partnered with Belgian technology provider Atrium Sports to deliver “FIFA Connected Stadiums” through artificial intelligence integrations. As part of the deal, AI-powered video platform Keemotion will aid in live streaming games for all federations and leagues within FIBA. “This partnership will help us plan, develop and promote basketball into the next decade and guide our National Federations through an increasingly complex technology landscape,” FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said in a press release.
PELOTON FOR YOUTH SOCCER: Skills & Drills App Lets Kids Take Practice Home
- The Pac-12 is partnering with the software platform Game Plan to create an educational program on sports wagering. The online program will be distributed to athletes, administrators and staff during the 2019-20 academic season. Content will be customized by the Pac-12 and will cover information related to state and federal laws on sports betting as well as NCAA rules on sports betting. Game Plan’s digital learning platform has previously been used by the NBA G League; the Pac-12 is the first major collegiate conference to create an education course on sports wagering compliance.
ACES: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ESPN’s High-Tech Operations at the U.S. Open
- Arizona Diamondbacks fans will have the opportunity to hit golf balls at Chase Field this December through a partnership with Topgolf. Guests will aim their swings toward targets placed across the field and will accrue points based on where their ball lands. Topgolf’s Toptracer technology will be used to track the accuracy and distance of shots to measure scores. The event will take place Dec. 12–15. Chase Field is the fourth MLB stadium to host a Topgolf Live event.
VEGAS, BABY: Science Is Drawing a Fine Line Between Winners and Losers in UFC
- Puma opened its first North American flagship store today on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The store features racing simulators, online shopping integrations and “magic mirrors” that are interactive screens letting consumers virtually try on products, with the ability to call for on-site sales assistance. “I think it’s an innovate-or-die industry, so that innovation can come from technology, come from design, it could come from color… This store gives a chance to put that on display,” Bob Philion, president and CEO of PUMA North America, told Cheddar.
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