The Golden State Warriors have announced a partnership with Google Cloud, the distributed computing program operated by Google. Google Cloud will be named the official public cloud provider of the Warriors and a founding partner of Chase Center, where the Warriors expect to play home games at the start of the 2019-20 NBA season.
Google Cloud will explore new ways to use its technology at Chase Center. As part of the deal, Google Cloud analytics and machine learning systems will be accessible to the Warriors front office, coaching staff, and players to facilitate a more data-driven decision-making process. The company will also provide a faster analysis of high volumes of data for the team’s coaching staff and front office, according to Golden State’s press release.
“As the first professional sports team to partner with Google Cloud, we’re looking forward to combining our individual expertise into an overall unique and exciting fan experience for everyone attending events at Chase Center,” said Joe Lacob, Warriors Owner and CEO, in the press release.
All data warehouses and mobile applications belonging to the Warriors and Chase Center will be hosted by Google Cloud as part of the agreement. Google’s brand will be marketed across the Warriors’ radio, social media, and online outlets as part of the deal, as well as through in-arena branding at Chase Center. The privately-financed 18,064-seat venue in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood is expected to open to the public this fall.
“We’re excited to team up with the Warriors and help them leverage the power of cloud technology to take their player and fan experiences to the next level,” said Alison Wagonfeld, CMO at Google Cloud, in the press release. “Our collaboration will allow them to use data analytics to enhance team and player performance, create more engaging fan experiences and deliver world-class media and entertainment.”
SportTechie Takeaway
While Google Cloud will handle Chase Center’s computing needs, the Warriors enlisted Hewlett Packard to install the arena’s Wi-Fi and network infrastructure. Platforms that support cloud-based data analytics are becoming increasingly utilized among sports leagues, although the Warriors are the first team to partner with Google Cloud. Amazon Web Services, a direct competitor to Google’s cloud computing system, is used by MLB to help power its Statcast data tracking system, while the NFL leans on AWS to boost its Next Gen Stats platform. Perhaps the Warriors’ partnership with Google will help Google Cloud to gain a foothold in sports.