YES Network taps Simplebet for Launch of ‘Pick-N-Play Live’ Tonight

Real-time, in-game free-to-play prediction game debuts on YES app tonight

The YES Network tonight will launch “Pick-N-Play Live,” the first-ever, real-time, in-game, single-screen watch and play experience, with the help of technology provider Simplebet.

“‘Pick-N-Play Live’ is just the latest YES App enhancement designed to fuel engagement as we continue to introduce immersive and innovative products and experiences to our audiences,” says Jon Litner, CEO of the YES Network.  “Through our new partnership with Simplebet, our viewers will now have the opportunity to play along in real time with the exciting action on the screen through a free, state-of-the-art predictor game powered by industry leading technology.”

Simplebet powers mobile betting for FanDuel and is now bringing gamification to the YES Network app.

The free-to-play prediction game, the first to be integrated within a live sports broadcast, will be available on the YES App to authenticated YES Network viewers in conjunction with YES’ Brooklyn Nets telecasts beginning tonight, when the Nets host the Pistons (7:30 pm ET).  The product will also be available for the YES App’s streamed New York Yankees games this coming season.

Available via the YES App on iOS and Android, “Pick-N-Play Live” will allow users to make predictions around an assortment of in-game occurrences, such as possession result and player points. Fans can compete against friends and strangers for prizes such as a variety of gift cards, team merchandise and occasional unique in-person experiences, with a live leaderboard updating throughout each game. Simplebet’s innovative suite of products, fueled by its proprietary machine learning and automation capabilities, is designed to encourage longer watch times and deeper fan engagement.

“Pick-N-Play Live” offers dozens of prediction types, adding up to thousands of individual moments per game, putting fans in the coaches’ and managers’ shoes. Examples tonight will include how many points a player will score in a quarter, which team will score next, what will the result of a possession be, and more. The system also allows questions to be tailored for each sport, opening up possibilities for Yankee games this season.

“This is the first inning of a convergence between media and gaming, and we’re thrilled to be at the bleeding-edge with a partner like the YES Network,” says Chris Bevilacqua, Co-Founder and CEO of Simplebet. “Micro-market technology is reimagining the fan experience and drives longer watch times, which in turn is beneficial for operators and media partners alike.”

The YES App provides authenticated users with a live stream of the YES Network, including its Nets, Yankees, NYCFC and New York Liberty games. It also features app-exclusive original programming series, along with personalized notification components, alternate feeds, game highlights and an extensive VOD library. The app also boasts innovative first-of-its-kind Live Stats and YES Watch Party offerings in conjunction with its streamed Yankees and Nets telecasts.

Simplebet has developed a suite of innovative micro-betting products for real money and free-to-play experiences for the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football and most recently college basketball. The company enables sports betting operators, media companies, and technology companies to enhance live sports by offering engaging experiences in real-time with their proprietary automated operations platform.