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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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Published on 02 March 2017

One of the biggest developments for pro football in 2017 might not have to do with virtual reality, live streaming NFL matches, remote-controlled tackling dummies or sideline video on tablets. But it could advance the use of those innovations in the NFL.

It's called a developmental, or "D" league which could provide a steady-flow of pro-ready players, coaches, officials and more, along with employment for countless NFL wannabes that didn't make team or practice squad rosters or capture the attention of the 32 franchises at all.

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Published on 23 February 2017

When players and fans descend on Gillette Stadium Saturday morning, it won't be to celebrate the Patriots recent Super Bowl victory. Instead, the crowd will watch professionals compete for signed collectibles, merchandise and cash prizes by playing EA's Madden 17 multi-player online video game.

The fast-spreading activity is called eSports and has attracted huge audiences online and on broadcast TV around the world - a tough to reach audience that sports teams and consumer brands seek to reach. The NFL teamed with EA Sports last fall to host tournament games at select teams' stadiums.

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Published on 16 February 2017

Unlimited wireless data plans provide fans many opportunities to boost mobile video consumption - and numerous challenges when it comes to finding the offer that fits them best.

Just this week, Verizon joined top wireless providers with the launch of an unlimited data plan. T-Mobile added HD video and tethering to its offering. These are but the latest moves in a fiercely competitive market which includes unlimited plan providers AT&T and Sprint.

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