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Published on 13 April 2017

You don't have to be rookie of the year or make a spectacular one-handed "toe-drag-swag" sideline catch to capture the attention of the cameras and fans. That's because the NFL and others are going beyond long-form, original TV series to shorter programming delivered via social media.

In two separate cases in recent weeks, long-established content creator NFL Digital Media and the NFPLA's two-year old ACE Media subsidiary have demonstrated their interest in breaking new ground by creating player-focused original content - a prized asset that can be reworked for watching in different ways. Fans themselves have joined the accelerating content creation trend.

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Published on 06 April 2017

** THROWBACK THURSDAY – BACK IN THE NEWS! **
360 Degree Replays (Now from Intel)

It creates wrap-around images like those of Keanu Reeves in The Matrix trilogy, has won CBS Sports an Emmy in May and has been called "eye candy" by a career TV broadcasting technologist. And it could be coming to a screen near you.

It's widely known as EyeVision 360. It's tried and true technology, not a promising possibility growing old on the launch pad.

In fact, fans at the Ravens vs. the Panthers pre-season home game on August 11 were served up ground-breaking 360-degree replays on big boards, a practice that's taking root at Levi's Field and AT&T Stadium as well.

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Published on 06 April 2017

How will young boys and girls respond when their pro sports, entertainment and performing arts idols tell them to pass on fame and focus on careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)?

Sports tech companies hope kids listen to the likes of Drew Brees and LeBron James and consider a career as a mathlete, for example, over a shot at a professional athlete. The same goes for girls hearing a similar message from super-model Adriana Lima, and actress Zendaya.

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Published on 30 March 2017

Many in the NFL and other pro sports believe watching gamers play games competitively is more than fun. It's a potential path to profit for teams that want to buy into eSports and expand their product lineup without a huge spend.

The NFL interest is part of an emerging trend whereby pro sports franchises have created or bought eSports teams. The goal: to broaden their horizons and engage with an established audience that often is beyond the reach of their primary sport.

The Dallas Cowboys have discussed buying an eSports team. And they're not alone. Expect news soon.

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Published on 23 March 2017

While teams and players are on to the 2017 draft, the National Football League is working to avoid a repeat of last year's TV ratings drop. Recently-released research and analysis suggests there were many reasons for the lower viewership - some of which the league could address with technology.

The NFL has tools to enhance and advance the TV viewing experience. Applying them would require the league to work with their long-time broadcaster partners and tech friends on what could be an expensive undertaking. The kit includes next-gen stats, 360 degree replays, virtual reality, Be the Player and eventually ultra-high definition programming. However, none of these are quick and easy fixes.

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Published on 16 March 2017

When the NFL is ready for some football this fall, who will stream its games? And will its 32 teams still be restricted in their use of social media?

A year after its launch and on a winning streak in the pro sports sector, Facebook Live joins Twitter in the race to land the NFL's social media game streaming. The answer may be both as teams are in many cases working amid restrictions with each to focus fan engagement strategies.

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