NFL Inks Partnership With Verizon To Drive 5G Innovation

Two-year deal calls for 5G enhancements in the stadium and within streaming infrastructure

The impact that 5G will have on the sports world in the not-to-distant future will be profound. Today, the NFL took a step closer to realizing that future by striking a two-year partnership agreement with Verizon to jointly develop new products and services that use 5G and other future technologies to enhance the fan experience.

The partnership officially makes Verizon “The Official 5G Innovation Partner of the NFL” and, according to an official release on Monday, will be built on enhancing three pillars: the in-stadium experience, mobile gaming, and video streaming.

“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,” says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”

On Monday, the partnership outlined how Verizon will explore use of 5G to stream volumetric video — an emerging media format — for the development of new fan experiences and applications. In addition, the NFL will partner with Verizon to develop new in-stadium mobile features designed to enhance the in-stadium fan experience by using 5G technology. Also, the two entities will call on game developers to create one or more NFL-themed mobile games powered by 5G.

“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.”

This is yet another page in the history of the NFL partnership with Verizon on innovations relating to video and media connectivity. Verizon has long been the exclusive mobile distributor of live games and other NFL content across its mobile network. In addition, Verizon Media’s Yahoo! Sports has been a trusted streaming partner of live NFL games. Verizon has also coordinated with individual NFL teams and venues on stadium technology to help improve operations and connectivity for fans.