Verizon, NFL partner to jointly develop new products, services on 5G

Verizon and the NFL announced a two-year innovation partnership to jointly develop new products and services that utilize 5G and other future technologies to enhance NFL games and the overall fan experience.

This innovation partnership positions Verizon as “The Official 5G Innovation Partner of the NFL,” and will initially include three pillars:

•In-Stadium Experience – Verizon and the NFL will develop new in-stadium mobile features designed to enhance the in-stadium fan experience by harnessing the power of 5G.
•5G Mobile Gaming Challenge – Verizon and the NFL will call on game developers to create one or more NFL themed mobile games powered by 5G. The game(s) will be designed to showcase the power of 5G in gaming by taking advantage of low latency to enable higher quality experiences.
•Emerging Video Streaming Technology – Verizon will explore use of 5G to stream volumetric video, an emerging media format, for the development of new fan experiences and applications.

This innovation partnership is an expansion of Verizon’s long-standing partnership with the NFL which includes mobile distribution of live games and other NFL content across its massive mobile network and distributed through Verizon Media’s Yahoo! Sports; unique experiences for customers enrolled in the Verizon Up rewards program at key NFL events including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and the NFL Draft; and coordination with individual NFL teams and venues on stadium technology to help improve operations and connectivity for fans.

Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon, explained, “Today's announcement is another milestone in Verizon's long-standing relationship with the NFL. The Innovation Partnership will use Verizon's 5G technology to unlock new and exciting ways for NFL fans to view, share and engage with their favorite teams no matter where they are. From the living room to the stadium, 5G will transform the sports experience.”

Roger Goodell, Commissioner, NFL, said, “For over 10 years now Verizon has been one of our most trusted partners and our work with them has delivered fans incredible access and experiences around the NFL. As the promise of 5G technology nears, I’m excited to enter into this innovation partnership with Verizon which should again bring a multitude of benefits to our millions of fans worldwide.”