Wednesday, Mar. 27, 2019 – A roundup of some of the key sports technology stories you need to know, including SportTechie’s own content and stories from around the web.
- Animoca Brands to Develop Blockchain-Based Formula 1 Game: Formula 1 is working with developer Animoca Brands to create a blockchain-based mobile game around the racing series. The game will be called F1 Delta Time and will launch May 10. Players will be able to trade unique tokens representing drivers, cars, and components, and then to race those on a digital racetrack. F1 Delta Time will be based on the Ethereum blockchain.
- Disability Rights Advocates Sue Sharks Over App Accessibility: The non-profit organization Disability Rights Advocates has filed a class action lawsuit against the NHL’s San Jose Sharks for the team’s failure to make the Sharks’ mobile app more accessible to fans with vision disabilities. Blind people typically interact with digital content via screen readers, but the Sharks’ mobile app is currently incompatible with both VoiceOver and TalkBack, the native iOS and Android screen readers, respectively, according to a DRA press release.
- Windpact and Auxadyne Receive NFL Helmet Technology Grants: The NFL has awarded grants to two helmet technology companies as part of its sixth-annual HeadHealthTECH Challenge. Windpact, founded by former NFL cornerback Shawn Springs, will receive $148,820 to help integrate its padding technology Crash Cloud into Schutt football helmets. Foam technology company Auxadyne will receive $86,688 to advance its XPF material, an energy absorber that becomes more dense upon impact.
- Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo Legalizes Mobile Sports Betting: On Monday, Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo signed a bill to legalize online and mobile sports betting. Raimondo’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Jul. 1 counts on $30 million from sports betting, including $3 million in new revenue generated from mobile gambling, according to the Associated Press. A mobile sports betting app from Rhode Island-based casino Twin River is expected to launch by November. Rhode Island is currently the only state in New England to have legalized sports betting.
- MLBPA Partners With Opendorse to Boost Player Social Media: Opendorse will provide its marketing platform to MLB players this season as part of a new partnership with the MLBPA. Opendorse allows players to quickly publish content across personal social channels. This upcoming season will be the first year where MLB will allow its players to post video highlights on their own social media accounts. The league updated its social media policy in February in an attempt to better market its best players.
- Washington Nationals Offer Fans Square Meals at Home: A new partnership between Square and the Washington Nationals will let fans order food and drinks directly from their seats at Nationals Park, receiving a notification when their order is ready to pick up. After downloading Square’s Caviar Pickup app, fans can order options from Caviar partners, including pop-up food choices that will feature throughout the season. Concessions hawkers at the stadium will also carry Square Terminals that accept electronic payment forms such as credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.