Wednesday, June 26, 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
- IBM Watson Tracks Every 2019 World Cup Move for Fox Sports: Fox Sports has introduced a new analysis tool during the France 2019 World Cup as part of an expanded partnership with IBM Watson. IBM’s AI analyzes video footage captured by Opta to track every pass, goal, and penalty kick for Fox’s Player Spotlight feature. Fox Sports commentators can search Player Spotlight to find highlights, data, and analytics that the broadcasters can reference on-air. Fox Sports first began integrating IBM Watson into its World Cup coverage at Russia 2018.
- Cameo Shout-Out Video App Closes $50 Million Series B Funding: Chicago-based fan engagement startup Cameo has closed a $50 million Series B fundraising round led by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins. The Chernin Group, Spark Ventures, Bain Capital, and Lightspeed Venture Partners also participated. Fans can purchase short personalized video shout-outs from their favorite celebrities or athletes via the Cameo app. “I’ve spent my entire career interacting with fans, and Cameo’s approach lets me do it in an entirely new way that is really having an impact on people,” said NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre in a press release. Favre is an advisor to Cameo, which previously closed a $12.5 million Series A round last November. Several Cincinnati Bengals players are also known to use the app.
- CrashCourse Concussion Program for Synchronized Swimmers: All U.S. synchronized swimmers will now have access to CrashCourse, an interactive online program that teaches athletes about concussions. CrashCourse was developed by TeachAids, a nonprofit that has partnered with the U.S. national governing body for synchronized swimming. CrashCourse content will be shown at every major synchronized swimming competition throughout the U.S. TeachAids has previously partnered with Pop Warner and the California Youth Football Alliance to administer its CrashCourse concussion education program to youth football players.
- William Hill Announces Strategic Partnership With Eldorado Resorts: William Hill announced on Tuesday that it had signed a strategic partnership with Eldorado Resorts in September 2018 that grants William Hill the exclusive rights to operate all physical and mobile sports betting properties owned or managed by Eldorado. According to William Hill, the agreement also gives it the exclusive right to operate all casinos operated by Caesars should Eldorado’s proposed acquisition of Caesars be completed. That deal, which would create the largest U.S. gaming company and foster heavy implications on the sports betting landscape, was announced on Monday.
- Rush Street Interactive, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Launch Online Sportsbook: Online sports betting company Rush Street Interactive has partnered with Rivers Casino Pittsburgh to launch an online and mobile sportsbook in Pennsylvania. Bets can be placed via laptop or desktop, while Android users can wager via mobile app. Betting from iPhones and iPads should be available soon, according to a press release from Rivers Casino. “Full-service online, mobile and in-casino sportsbooks are where the industry is headed, and thanks to our Team Members, we’re already there,” said Bill Keena, general manager at Rivers Casino.