Major League Rugby Introduces Data-Driven Broadcast Augmentation for 2024 Playoffs

News July-16-2024

Major League Rugby Introduces Data-Driven Broadcast Augmentation for 2024 Playoffs

Sportable to offer state-of-the-art broadcast enhancements Smart Ball is powered by data.

Dallas, Texas (July 16, 2024) — Major League Rugby (MLR) is pleased to announce the introduction of innovative broadcast graphics from Sportable for the upcoming MLR Playoffs presented by SportsBreaks.com.

Building on the successful partnership established this season with the introduction of the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball, Sportable has developed a suite of high production value match graphics powered by smart ball data, providing new insights and new storytelling opportunities in rugby union.

The introduction of new graphics will enhance the already impressive data and insights provided by Smart Ball, including metrics such as kick and pass distance, kick hang-time and player head-to-head comparisons. Channels on all nationally televised MLR matches.

New broadcast graphics include:

Hero Replace:

Key game moments are enhanced with smart ball data, making the game’s best players 'heroes’ and moments that enable showpiece kicking and passing skills, creating excitement and engagement during the game.

Kick War:

The feature will show kicking battles between players, distance, accuracy and territorial gain, allowing viewers to appreciate the tactical kicking aspects of the game.

Touch finder:

Enhanced graphics that show where successful kicks were made for touchdowns on the field give fans a detailed view of territorial gains, strategic plays and the performance of the best kickers in the league.

Harry Hardy, Chief Commercial Officer of MLR, expressed his enthusiasm for the new graphics, saying, „We have been very impressed with the insight the Gilbert x Sportable Smart Ball has provided to our teams and fans this season. The addition of this new innovative graphic package highlights key aspects of the strategy behind the game of rugby, while We will further improve our broadcast production during the most important part of our season.

Scott McCubbin, SVP of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Sportable, echoed this sentiment, saying, „We’re excited to continue building our partnership with MLR off to such a fantastic start. These innovations for the playoffs will offer existing MLR fans something new, enhancing the overall viewing experience, while at the same time in some key aspects of the game. Educating new fans We look forward to working with MLR to introduce more innovations like this and continue to provide new ways for fans of this great tournament to enjoy the game.

The new broadcast graphics will debut on July 20 with the Eastern Conference semifinals during Fox Sports’ coverage of the MLR playoffs presented by Sportsbreaks.com. Fans can expect the Eastern Conference semifinals to highlight key moments in the game. In ways never seen before.

For more information on Major League Rugby and the upcoming playoffs, visit www.majorleague.rugby.

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. MLR prides itself on fostering intense, high-stakes competition while bringing together a passionate community built on the values ​​of respect, inclusion and tradition. Matches are broadcast on Fox Sports in other national and local market platforms, and its OTT platform, The Rugby Network, gives fans the ability to live stream selected MLR matches alongside Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Allianz Women’s Premiership Rugby and other international rugby content. . For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.