Genius Sports Announces Data-Driven Broadcasts For NBA, NFL
Genius Sports, the company behind the NFL’s immersive Next Gen Stats, will increase its presence and visibility across two major sports leagues in December.
At the end of November, the company announced a collaboration with the NFL, NBC Sports and EA Sports to debut the EA Sports Madden NFL Cast on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m. ET for the tilt between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. The game will appear exclusively on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock.
A few days later, Genius Sports announced a second collaboration with TNT Sports and NBA 2K to launch the NBA 2K25 DataCast. Viewers will have access to the enhanced experience during the knockout rounds of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, which truTV and Max will broadcast starting Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Fans might not know sports betting data provider Genius Sports by name, but they are likely aware of the company’s presence. It has partnerships with the NFL, FIBA, NCAA, NASCAR and multiple soccer leagues worldwide and is involved with many of the integrated analytics and graphics you see when watching sports on TV.
Broadcasts will ‘blur the lines’ between video games and reality
Genius’ stats are one example of that involvement, utilizing a vast database of metrics to produce real-time statistics about how fast a player runs to the accuracy of a quarterback’s passes. Its December broadcasts in partnership with the NFL and NBA will introduce a new concept, which will “blur the lines” between video games and the action on the field or court.
With the Madden NFL Cast, Genius Sports will integrate numerous elements of the timeless Madden NFL series from EA Sports.
The broadcast will include route trees, play cards and player ratings. It will also use and Genius Sports’ stats and AI platform, GeniusIQ, which provides real-time data and NFL-branded animations.
Similarly, the NBA 2K25 DataCast will incorporate game overlays such as the Shot Meter and 2K Badges. GeniusIQ will provide real-time game insights, including player tracking, shot probability and shot distance.
Genius Sports, Madden NFL Cast aiming to engage with fans
The Madden NFL Cast will run adjacent to the main broadcast on NBC. NBC Sports commentator Paul Burmeister will call play-by-play action alongside three additional cast members:
- Former NFL quarterback, YouTuber and Madden NFL expert Kurt Benkert
- Former Pro Bowl wide receiver and Madden NFL aficionado Chad Ochocinco Johnson
- Professional Madden NFL player Henry Leverette
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the NFL, NBC Sports, Peacock and EA Sports to help deliver the first-of-its-kind Madden-branded alternate broadcast,” said Steve Bornstein, the Genius Sports president for North America. “Leveraging GeniusIQ’s groundbreaking technology and the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Madden NFL Cast is a fully immersive viewing experience designed to engage a whole new generation of fans.”
And it will highlight some of the league’s best in action
Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sports’ executive producer for the NFL, echoed his excitement for the collaboration of sports powerhouses:
“Not only are the Texans and Chiefs in first place in their respective divisions, but they have star players at multiple positions whose avatars will help us analyze the game’s biggest plays through the Madden NFL 25 lens. It has long been a point of pride for John and the Madden family that their video game has helped generations of fans and gamers learn and enjoy football, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition.”
The game between the Texans and the Chiefs will feature 11 players with Madden ratings of 90 or above. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are in the “Madden 99 Club” and were two of six players with a 99 rating to start the 2024 season.
Immersive NBA experience available during quarters and semis
The NBA 2k25 DataCast will broadcast during all the NBA Cup quarterfinal and semifinal matchups. It will be available as an alternative telecast on truTV and Max, while the primary broadcast will remain on TNT.
In addition to Genius Sports’ data-driven overlays and video game-like features, the DataCast will welcome a large cast of guests, including the following:
- 2024 NBA Hall of Fame inductee Vince Carter
- Former WNBA star Candace Parker
- Former NBA power forward-center Channing Frye
- Sports TV personality Adam Lefkoe
- NYT best-selling basketball author Kirk Goldsberry
The NBA 2k25 DataCast will be available on the following days (all times Eastern):
- Tuesday, Dec. 10 (quarterfinals): 7 p.m. (Magic at Bucks) and 9:30 p.m. (Mavericks at Thunder)
- Wednesday, Dec. 11 (quarterfinals): 7 p.m. (Hawks at Knicks) and 9:30 p.m. (Warriors at Rockets)
- Saturday, Dec. 14 (semifinals): 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (matchups TBD)
Lastly, NBA2K25 players with a valid online account can redeem six Locker Codes (one per broadcast) to unlock Amethyst MyTEAM packs. These packs will allow contestants to build their ultimate lineup with a list of 11 NBA superstars to choose from.
