The NFL announced a 10-year deal with Verizon reportedly worth more than $1 billion.
As part of the new pact, Verizon will be able to put its 5G brand on NFL media and use its technology at games.
The carrier and league have had a relationship since 2010 but are transitioning from a focus on content to technology, with Verizon discontinuing livestreams of games on mobile.
- Verizon has installed 5G Ultra Wideband in parts of 25 NFL stadiums, up from 13 in 2019.
- The new deal includes 5G Multi-View, which allows fans to see seven different live camera angles and AR overlays of Next Gen Stats. It will be included during the season opener Thursday night between the Cowboys and Buccaneers.
- Last year, Verizon invested over $80 million to support the Super Bowl in Tampa, helping pilot the 5G Multi-View. The feature is accessible in seven venues, with a goal of eventually expanding to all venues.
Verizon is also working with other technology companies to generate new stadium experiences — in collaboration with LIDAR technology, Verizon will help venues gain real-time information on crowd patterns.
Down the road, Verizon says that 5G could give coaches and players real-time analytics and visualizations, and 5G-enabled venues could transition into digital arenas to host mobile-gaming events.
The carrier reported $33.8 billion in Q2 operating revenue in July.
