Tuesday, Apr. 9, 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.
- Vegas Golden Knights Launch Digital Global Community VGK Worldwide: The Vegas Golden Knights have launched VGK Worldwide, a digital-based global community for fans. Membership costs $120 and includes exclusive access to the #VGKWorldwide Facebook group, as well as custom merchandise. The Facebook group will provide exclusive Golden Knights content, special Q&As, and information for fan meet-ups around the world. “In the past two seasons, the Golden Knights have developed a strong international fan base made up of people around the globe,” said Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz in a press release. “The launch of VGK Worldwide is a way for us to celebrate that audience and offer them a unique way to show their support.”
- Soccer Star David Beckham Deepfakes Voices for Anti-Malaria Campaign: In a Malaria No More ad-campaign, David Beckham appears to speak nine different languages. The 55-second video was powered by U.K.-based artificial intelligence company Synthesia. Beckham begins speaking in his native English before adapting the voices of real men and women from around the world, including both malaria survivors and doctors fighting the disease. Synthesia’s video synthesis technology has previously raised concerns of fueling “Deepfake” videos used as political propaganda on social media.
- Arthur Ashe Stadium to Host 2019 Fortnite World Cup Finals: Epic Games announced that the Fortnite World Cup Finals will take place at the U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y. from Jul. 26 to 28. The top 100 solo players and top 50 duo teams from around the world will compete at the tournament. Each player will be guaranteed at least $50,000 and the champion will win $3 million. “Fortnite has a fanbase that numbers nearly 250 million players worldwide. We look forward to playing a role in this cultural sensation, with the chance to showcase the National Tennis Center in an entirely new way,” said Danny Zausner, COO at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis.
- Facebook and Fox Sports Share Copa Libertadores Broadcast Rights: The social media giant and sports broadcaster have announced a one-year partnership to share broadcasting rights across South America for the 2019 Copa Libertadores. The deal increases the number of soccer matches scheduled to stream for free on Facebook Watch from 28 to 46, while Fox Sports will acquire broadcast rights to all Thursday games that were previously exclusive to Facebook. Live games on Facebook will also be available on the CONMEBOL Libertadores page and Fox Sports page starting today. Facebook originally signed a broadcast rights deal last season to stream select Libertadores matches through 2022.
- Topgolf Plans First Virtual Lounge Location in Kirkland, Wash.: Golf entertainment company Topgolf is planning its first Topgolf Lounge in Kirkland, Wash. The lounge will feature premium seating and a wide range of virtual games powered by Topgolf Swing Suite Technology. Top golf plans to build more lounges in densely populated areas where larger, full-sized Topgolf venues aren’t sizably feasible. “Entertainment choices are evolving at the speed of technology and the Topgolf Lounge concept is on the forefront of the ‘eatertainment’ movement,” said Ron Powers, president, Topgolf Lounge, in a press release. This past December, Topgolf announced plans to enhance six-existing locations with esports lounges.