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Artificial Intelligence Partner and an Official Cloud and Laptop Partner for the NBA , Women ’ s National Basketball Association ( WNBA ), NBA G League , and USA Basketball beginning with the 2020-21 NBA season .
Microsoft and NBA Digital — co-managed by the NBA and Turner Sports — are creating a new , innovative , direct-to-consumer platform on Microsoft Azure that will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver nextgeneration , personalised game broadcasts and other content offerings as well as integrate the NBA ’ s various products and services from across its business . The platform will reimagine how fans engage with the NBA from their devices by customising and localising experiences for the NBA ’ s global fanbase , which includes the 1.8 billion social media followers across all league , team and player accounts .
Beyond delivering live and on-demand game broadcasts through Microsoft Azure , the NBA ’ s vast array of data sources and extensive historical video archive will be surfaced to fans through state-of-the-art machine learning , cognitive search and advanced data analytics solutions . This will create a more personalised fan experience that tailors the content to the preferences of the fan , rewards participation , and provides more insights and analysis than ever . Additionally , this platform will enable the NBA to uncover unique insights and add new dimensions to the game for fans , coaches and broadcasters . The companies will also explore additional ways technology can be used to enhance the NBA ’ s business and game operations .
“ We are thrilled to serve as the official AI partner of the NBA ,” said Satya Nadella , CEO , Microsoft . “ Together , we ’ ll bring fans closer to the game and players they love with new personalised experiences powered by Microsoft Azure .”
“ This partnership with Microsoft will help us redefine the way our fans experience NBA basketball ,” said Adam Silver , NBA commissioner . “ Our goal , working with Microsoft , is to create customised content that allows fans — whether they are in an NBA arena or watching from anywhere
“ Our goal is to create customised content that allows fans to immerse themselves in all aspects of the game .” - Adam Silver , NBA experience sports and fitness activities in a more interactive manner .
The platform captures the
around the world — to immerse themselves in all aspects of the game and engage directly with our teams and players .”
Sports IoT platform FanPlayIoT is using Microsoft Azure to drive innovative engagement
emotions of sports enthusiasts , through wearables and IoT devices , and quantifies fans ’ expressions through a unique FanEmote metric derived from a combination of verbal , emotional and motion vectors . The platform also offers tips to help users realise their health and wellness goals and offer expert advice from sporting legends and coaches . In addition to real-time interaction with their favourite players , users get rewarded on the platform by sponsor brands associated with FanPlayIoT .
“ IQONIQ is seeking to revolutionise the world of fan experience .” - Kazim Atilla , IQONIQ
“ In today ’ s unprecedented
times , we are all reimagining
experiences for fitness and sports enthusiasts . Through the integration of advanced wearable technologies with deep analytics and cloud , FanPlayIoT enables fans to
experiences for the virtual world ,” noted Sangeeta Bavi , director , startup ecosystem ,
Microsoft India . “ When sporting events are being held in restricted settings , innovative fan engagement channels become highly relevant . We are excited to collaborate with FanPlayIoT to enhance the experience of sports enthusiasts around the world on their unified digital experience . Being powered by Microsoft ’ s scalable and secure cloud platform allows FanPlayIoT to engage with varying audiences and improve their experiences with intelligent feedback loops .”
“ We are excited to leverage the power of Microsoft Azure to create a platform
that amplifies the passion and emotions of sport enthusiasts in a unique way ,” added Dr . Mohan Kumar , founder , FanPlayIoT . “ SportsTech is poised to scale new heights not just in India but across the world , and we are committed to introducing new innovations for gamifying fan engagement . Our Azure-based platform captures the fan passion quotient in real-time and enables us to reward those super fans through brand partnerships using neuromarketing principles .”
FanPlayIoT has deployed its platform during the 13th edition of Indian Premier League ( IPL ) to augment engagement for the fans of Chennai Super Kings ( CSK ). The platform helps CSK sense motions and emotions of millions of its fans on a real-time basis during IPL 2020 . FanPlayIoT ’ s sensing network , including their app and a variety of wearables and IoT devices , combined with the social media integration through Microsoft Dynamics 365 has been designed to augment fan experience during the matches .
Coca-Cola Great Britain has kicked off its partnership with Sky Media to partner with Sky Sports ’ Fanzone experience throughout the Premier League season . The partnership , brokered by MediaCom , encourages football fans and households to make their home the ‘ home end ’ for live games and enjoy a Coca-Cola Zero Sugar as part of their athome matchday routine . The partnership launches with bespoke and comedic ‘ mockumentary ’ styled branded content starring
BAFTA Award-winning Comedian Mo Gilligan . “ Football is back , but not quite as we know it ,” commented Sarah Jones , director of planning at Sky Media . “ While the nation ’ s passion for the sport remains unwavering , passing through turnstiles on a matchday is unfortunately a while off for most fans . Mo ’ s comedic recreation of the classic aspects of stadium life will naturally strike a chord with football fans to create a true affiliation with the brand .”
“ The Sky Fanzone partnership is the perfect way for Premier League fans to supercharge their football experience with Coca-Cola , and truly make their Home the Home End week in , week out ,” added Oliver Bridge , GB & I Senior Brand Manager at Coca Cola Great Britain . “ We are really excited to launch this brand association in not only Sky ’ s digital experience but also across their broadcast channels in time for the longawaited new season .”
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