The NFL American football league has extended its partnership with cloud-driven networking company Extreme Networks.
The new deal will see Extreme retain its position as the official Wi-Fi network solutions provider and official Wi-Fi analytics provider of the NFL through 2024.
Extreme has also added new Wi-Fi 6 deployments with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Each of the teams’ stadiums have been upgraded with a high-density Wi-Fi 6 network, as well as simplified Wi-Fi network management solutions.
Extreme said the new deal will allow the NFL to provide “next-generation in-stadium fan experiences” at venues, while gathering and leveraging real-time analytics to drive better decisions around business and venue operations.
ExtremeWireless access points and/or ExtremeAnalytics software are currently deployed across 24 NFL stadiums and Extreme will begin working with an additional five stadiums and six teams through the extended partnership.
Extreme’s solutions have been used to support every Super Bowl since 2014 and ExtremeAnalytics will once again be used during the 2022 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
ExtremeAnalytics is deployed at 29 of the 30 NFL stadiums and the technology allows the league to benchmark Wi-Fi network data from team to team, understanding common trends, activities and usage patterns.
Extreme is also rolling out next-generation analytics capabilities in the NFL this season, providing IT teams with richer data sets and insights around app performance and usage, dwell time and location-based services.
Michelle McKenna, chief information officer at the NFL, said: “Fan expectations and demands for technology-driven experiences are evolving, and it’s our job to fulfil those expectations every game day.
“We do that by providing great Wi-Fi connectivity, leveraging insightful analytics to improve business operations, and creating a simple and effective way for our team to manage the network within a single dashboard.
“Our partnership with Extreme allows us to stay ahead of the curve, providing every team in the NFL with a resource for leading stadium Wi-Fi network technology. We’re extending our relationship with Extreme because we want to continue working with a partner that is equally invested in creating a superior fan experience every single week.”
Norman Rice, chief operating officer at Extreme Networks, added: “Stadium environments require high-density, powerful Wi-Fi networks that can be adjusted and scaled depending on the needs of each event, and these are environments where Extreme excels. With the right network technology and analytics in place, the NFL can continue to make data-driven decisions that advance the game and keep fans engaged.
“Network analytics are the currency driving innovative new services like real-time sports betting and mobile concessions. We’re proud to extend our long-standing partnership with the NFL, continuing to work together to make technology an integral part of the game both on and off the field.”
Earlier this year, Extreme built on its long-running association with the NFL by agreeing a six-year deal to become the official Wi-Fi solutions provider of Major League Baseball. Extreme will deliver in-stadium Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi analytics in 16 MLB ballparks to improve the fan and media experience, with installations scheduled through 2026.
Image: Nathan Macoul on Unsplash
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