Bloomberg Sports Analytical Tools Boost Fox, TBS MLB Postseason Coverage

Bloomberg Sports has reached a new licensing agreement with Major League Baseball postseason broadcasters FOX Sports and TBS to provide custom-designed enhanced statistical analysis, professional analytical tools, and a data feed of in-depth pitch analysis for each game of the 2011 playoffs and World Series. TBS will carry all four Division Series and the NLCS, with FOX airing exclusively the ALCS and World Series.

These new features, including very detailed predictive tools for pitcher-batter matchups, will give broadcast teams unique information on player tendencies and the potential outcome of each play, improving the experience and engagement level for the viewer. For instance, broadcasters will have the ability to provide the viewer with the likelihood that a player will reach base, based on count, bases occupied, inning, and number of outs. The tools are a media-designed version of the same analytics system that Bloomberg has built for MLB teams. Currently, the majority of MLB clubs are using Bloomberg Sports’ tools for season-long player analysis and scouting.

In addition FOX Sports will exclusively feature a on-base percentage predictor for each batter that updates with each pitch. This technology is customized to any matchup and the circumstances of the game.

“We have made tremendous advances in adapting our products for use with every audience, and this new relationship with FOX Sports and Turner is the latest example,” says Bill Squadron, head of Bloomberg Sports. “We are very pleased that in less than two years Bloomberg Sports is already seen as a leader in the field of sport analysis and innovation. These new tools for the networks will give viewers a more detailed breakdown and fascinating insights into player performance and the inner workings and strategy of baseball, which we believe will enhance their enjoyment of the game.”

In addition to the detailed match-up analysis features, Bloomberg Sports will provide both networks log-ins for their research, production, and on-air staffs, which will give them the ability to provide the most comprehensive information on matchups ever presented.

This new licensing agreement with MLB’s postseason broadcasters marks the end of a landmark year for the second-year division of Bloomberg L.P. Bloomberg’s “Front Office” fantasy baseball and “Decision Maker” fantasy football tools were among the best-selling and widest used products in the consumer marketplace this past year. Bloomberg also introduced a tablet product for Major League players, allowing players to review video and prepare for upcoming games.

Additional new products and enhancements for teams and the consumer are currently being planned for the 2011 offseason and the 2012 regular season.