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Morning everyone, and welcome back to The Sports Road! Once again, it is FINALLY the weekend… As ever, with that comes a whole host of new sports-tech related funnies, blunders, and just wild moments. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this – enjoy!
Here's what we got for ya today:
MORE ROBOTS!?
The Future of The NHL
Now This Could be a Game Changer
Data: How Important is it?
Most Valuable Sports Teams:
Let's get into it!
Sports’ Newest Robot…
Ah, it really will never get old…
Look, this isn’t the first time we’ve spoken about robots here on The Sports Road and, to be honest, it probably won’t be the last 😅😅😅
As the sports world begins to use technology more and at a faster rate, the boundaries are only going to be pushed further and further.
With that, we’ll only see more outrageous innovations. So outrageous, in fact, that one day they would have only appeared in your wildest dreams…
A couple of weeks ago, we spoke about the Tour de France’s deal with ChatGPT. Promising to improve fan experiences both in and out of venues, the partnership offered something that would shock fans – the digital assistant, Marianne.
Created by NTT – the tour’s official technology partner – was made to inform fans on anything and everything Tour de France!
Interestingly, Marianne is programmed to use real-time data to answer questions. With being up-to-date extremely important given the relevance of what’s happening on the ground, the process requires complex connectivity methods…
“Marianne is trained on previous coded race information and leverages ChatGPT to provide a unique user experience for responses that have not been pre-coded… What’s exciting about Marianne is her ability to leverage real-time data through NTT’s data analytics platform to answer real-time, race-related questions.”
Joan Kuhrmann, Director of Program Management at NTT
Powered by ChatGPT, in giving fans access to Marianne’s knowledge, the organisation can actually drum up more interest in the tour.
With Cycling not having the most fierce fan-bases – sorry Cycling fans 😅 – by using innovative methods to bring newer audiences in, this is DEFINITELY one to keep an eye on!
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The NHL’s Newest AI…
The NHL is gearing up for the future…
Around a year ago or so, the NHL introduced digitally-enhanced dasherboards (DED) to the game. Using AI to program advertising DED’s essentially allow companies to advertise content in more innovative ways than ever!
Offering more platforms for fans to engage with the sport, the new technology made sense and, to this day, remains highly beneficial to everyone involved…
With the advertisements appearing in every single game though, it’s integral for the NHL to understand what is and isn’t valuable to their brand.
How are they planning to do so? Technology, of course.
Yep, striking a strategic partnership with tech firm MVPIndex, the Hockey league will use advanced detection tech to assist in estimating brand values for DED signs.
This is what we know so far:
MVP will be utilising asset-first detection technology in these processes, providing accurate media and brand values.
The platform will scan all NHL broadcasts and fixate on assets, logos, and objects to figure out values.
In addition to those, the technology will scan social media posts to determine an even more accurate valuation.
“Following a successful first season of implementing DED across the League, we’re now focused on continuing to evolve the technology and deliver more value and new sponsorship opportunities for the League, our Clubs and their media and business partners.”
Keith Wachtel, NHL Chief Business Officer and Senior Executive Vice President.
AI is Changing Sports FOREVER!
We say this over and over again, but it’s true. When discussing new innovations within sports technology, things tend to go in cycles…
Today’s phase? Cyber Safety and protection for fans and players alike.
I mean, who doesn’t want that?!
From the French Open to the World Cup, the concept of using AI to combat hateful and abusive comments is becoming more common.
Holding the ability to impact not only player performance, but far more important aspects of life, no one wants to see our favourite games being littered with abuse and intolerance.
And guess what? It looks like the drive to fight it is getting MUCH stronger…
That’s right. This week AI specialists, Signify, announced that they plan to create their very own sports division.
With the company already working with huge names in the sports industry, this step felt like a natural progression.
As social media only continues to dominate fan interactions within sport, Signify will utilise their threat matrix AI to support clubs in fighting abusive comments.
In addition to that, the company will look to help clubs in the market, providing in-depth analysis on current trends and what fans want to see.
“The company’s reputation has grown rapidly, becoming a leading voice on the issues relating to online abuse and implementing innovative solutions to tackle them… The chance to head up Signify Sport was too good an opportunity to miss and with Threat Matrix now actively used by some of the world’s leading sports authorities, player unions and international federations, I’m keen to help the business realise its full potential.”
Jake Marsh, Head of the Unit
To put the need for such analyses into perspective, just listen to this… Across its use in the World Cup, AI was called in to scan over 20 million posts!
We Need to Talk About: Data
There’s no two ways about it. Data is one of the most important assets which any Football club holds today.
Whether it be in performance analysis, scouting, coaching, or more, having access to in-depth information right at your fingertips could just make the difference between a good or a great season…
So with that – and we’re sure this won’t surprise anyone – teams are desperate to keep their data safe 😅And this is how that’s being done…
Striking a partnership with the Portland Timbers, Acronis and Covenant Technology Solutions are dedicated to improve the clubs cybersecurity position.
Utilising high-level technology, the companies are recognised worldwide and plan to reshape the way data is currently being handled at the top level of sport.
As a result of the partnership, the Timbers will receive a wide range of IT services, be equipped with a range of marketing assets, and be provided with boosts in brand recognition.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Acronis and Covenant Technology Solutions to secure our team’s digital infrastructure… Within this partnership, we have found a winning formula for data protection, ensuring our team can focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional performances on and off the field. Acronis is the true MVP when it comes to safeguarding our valuable information, leaving us free to chase our goals with peace of mind.”
Robert Rice, Vice President of IT for the Portland Timbers
Quick Bites
The Draft: An Insight
Women’s World Cup: What a Night!
Meme of the day
First time I think we've seen the Lampardian transition in a tweet
— Tim Stillman (@Stillmanator)
Jul 20, 2023
Quote of the day
“Sports creates a bond between contemporaries that lasts a lifetime. It also gives your life structure, discipline and a genuine, sincere, pure fulfillment that few other areas of endeavor provide.”
Bob Cousey
Picture of the day
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Chat to ya on Friday! ☮️
