Elon Musk's New Sporting Adventure

It’s that time again… The Sports Road! One more day til’ the weekend - SIUUUUUUU.

Here's what we got for ya today:

Is this the future of Boxing?
Elon? It can’t be
MSG’s New Security
This could be the move, you know

Most valuable public market sports teams

Let's get into it!

It Can't be, Can it?

You know the saying. There are three things in this life that are guaranteed

Death, taxes, and absolutely dreadful Boxing decisions.

Look, we understand why controversial decisions exist. In fact, it can even add to the drama. But sometimes it just feels wrong. Suspiciously wrong.

Whether it be:

Potential bias
Basic incompetence
Some promoters having financial interests in particular fighters
The challenging nature of accurately judging close or competitive rounds by eye

It doesn’t feel fair that a fighter’s efforts can be taken all away because of unfair judging.

Well, hopefully we’re going to be seeing the end of that soon. How you may ask?

AI, of course.

Headed by Tech Startup, Jabbr, the “world’s first Computer Vision AI designed for combat sports” has been created.

So how does it work?

By measuring millions of data points throughout a fight, the technology funnels the accumulated information into 50 metrics for each boxer. As a result, not only do we get to see what is being landed and where, but the quality of punches and their significance to the fight.

While still being in developmental stages, we hope that one day this can be integrated into the sport and reignite its spark for many.

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WAIT WHO?

One normal day of football news. That’s all I ask.

The race to buy Manchester United is on, and there’s a new prospective investor, Elon Musk. Internet icon and second richest man on earth.

Tweeting the above in August, the billionaire soon stated that it was only a joke.

Yet according to this week's paper round, Musk actually is interested in shelling out £4.5 Billion to buy the global footballing giant.

Look, we know that this *probably* isn’t true, but the question has to be asked: What on earth is going on at Manchester United?

In November 2022, United’s current owners of 17 years, the Glazer family, announced their willingness to sell the club. Ever since, the club's fanbase – who have been very outspoken about their disdain for the current owners – have been up in arms.

With the two main potential buyers allegedly being Jim Ratcliffe, the richest man in Britain, and Qatari investment groups worth up to £276 billion, United fans have reason to be excited.

In fact, just this week it's been announced that UEFA wouldn’t block a Qatari backed offer 👀👀👀👀

A Qatari bid could be made as soon as today!

Are we looking at the next era of United’s dominance? I sure hope not 😆

Freeze! MSG's New AI Security System

In a deal worth an initial investment of $6.3 million, before extra addons of $3.7 million, MSG Sports and Xtract One are in the process of creating a partnership.

Teaming with the tech-based company, MSG Sports are looking to tighten up their security systems.

Here’s how Xtract One’s technology works:

Leverages AI to provide secure patron access control experiences
Uses an inconspicuous threat detection system to ensure fans’ comfortability while prioritising safety
Allows for companies to screen for weapons and other harmful devices
Can be used both inside and outside of facilities
Provides intelligence for optimising operations

“We are thrilled to announce this investment and partnership with MSG Sports. We continue to see impressive growth in market interest and customer adoption of our security technology solutions.”

Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One

This partnership comes only a few weeks following controversy regarding MSG Sports’ use of facial recognition systems.

In response to the new technology, many stated that the use of facial recognition to enforce the ‘exclusion list’ was unfair. With the list consisting of lawyers in active litigation fights against the company, scrutiny was intense.

Jumping to its defence, the New York Knicks owner James Dolan stated:

“At Madison Square Garden, if you’re suing us, we’re just asking you — please don’t come until you’re done with your argument with us… And yes, we’re using facial recognition to enforce that.”

James Dolan

Pretty intense if you ask us 😬😬😬

But hey, I guess we’re all here for making sporting events safer (while staying accessible 😅)

The Future of Hockey Fans

NHL x Disney x ESPN isn’t a partnership we thought we’d be talking about, but then again, here we are.

On the 14th of March, the Washington Wizards will play against the New York Rangers… on Disney… as an animated show. Yep, you read that correctly. Here’s how it’s gonna work:

A live animation cartoon
Will consist of characters from the popular cartoon series ‘Big City Greens’
Action will be recreated using puck tracking and data from the NHL Edge player
ESPN commentators will call the action, as well as well-known voices from the TV show

All of this will be done in an effort to introduce kids to the sport and, in turn, increase the NHL’s viewership and engagement for many years to come. Smart business.

“Disney Channel and Disney XD fans are, on average, 30 years younger than the ESPN audience. Naturally, we ought to make things a little different to capture their attention.”

Ilan Ben-Hanan, ESPN’s senior vice president of programming and acquisitions