Champ Rugby announces partnership with contract caterer Elior UK.
Champ Rugby have announced a multi-year partnership with contract caterer Elior UK, becoming the title sponsor of the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) Tier 2 competition, in a relationship built on shared values, community impact and a commitment to health and wellbeing.
Under the new agreement, the competition will be known as Elior Champ Rugby. This is a significant new chapter for the league and a major step forward in Elior UK’s investment in sport, culture and social value. The agreement marks the first title sponsorship for the league in over six years and reflects a shift towards purpose-led collaboration, where commercial success and social impact go hand in hand.
At the centre of the partnership is a strong alignment of purpose. Both organisations place people, wellbeing and opportunity at the centre of what they do – from Champ Rugby’s mission to grow competition following and interest, while strengthening clubs, players and communities nationwide, to Elior UK’s focus on nutrition, healthier lifestyles and its lifetime of enrichment social-value programme.
Together, Champ Rugby and Elior UK aim to champion the role of food, health and community in supporting performance on the pitch and positive outcomes off it, helping players, fans and local communities thrive.
Champ Rugby is English rugby’s biggest supporter, connecting grassroots communities with the professional game and providing a ‘Proving Ground’ for future stars. It is the second tier of men’s rugby and is played by both professional and semi-professional players. Featuring 14 teams across the country, the league delivers strong regional reach, local engagement and a powerful platform for community support.
Brian Facer, Head of Champ Rugby, said: “At Champ Rugby, we exist to grow the game, develop people and strengthen communities. Elior UK shares that same commitment to driving opportunity and long-term impact. This is about fuelling futures - investing in healthier lifestyles, stronger clubs and the next generation of players and fans.”
“This is far more than a sponsorship - it’s a partnership built on shared values,” said Catherine Roe, chief executive officer at Elior UK.
“We’re championing nutrition and healthier lifestyles and supporting local communities and future talent. This collaboration enables us to bring our purpose to life in a meaningful and impactful way.”
Craig Stewart, divisional managing director, stadia at Elior UK added, “Our experience delivering food and hospitality in the stadia sector makes us a natural partner for Champ Rugby. This partnership allows us to apply that expertise in a way that supports clubs, communities and the future of the game.”
Activation is now rolling out in the final quarter of the season, with the league transitioning to Elior Champ Rugby branding across broadcast, digital and in-stadium environments.
Elior UK already has a strong presence within UK sport, including established partnerships at Scottish Rugby’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, and with Glasgow Warriors. The Champ Rugby collaboration builds on this foundation while extending Elior’s impact deeper into regional communities.
Cowboys Golf Club reopens after Arcis transformation
Cowboys Golf Club has reopened following one of Arcis Golf’s most extensive entertainment-driven transformations. The multi-million-dollar renovation of the world's only NFL-themed golf club includes a completely redesigned championship course, a Dallas Cowboys-themed high-tech driving range with game-used AT&T Stadium turf, and an 18-hole putting course.
A flagship within Arcis Golf’s 88-course portfolio of private, destination, and public properties, Arcis Golf commissioned renowned course architect Beau Welling to redesign the layout, with the company’s in-house design and construction team overseeing implementation.
“We reimagined every aspect of this property to create unforgettable experiences for our members and guests," said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arcis Golf. "From championship-caliber golf to immersive Cowboys-themed entertainment, visitors now enjoy a destination that blends world-class sport with the excitement and tradition of America's Team.”
During the closure, the tee boxes, greens, bunkers, and cart paths were rebuilt or reshaped as part of a comprehensive master plan. Welling refined design elements in the field while seven Arcis crews simultaneously executed the transformation, which touched every element of the course:
- All 18 greens were expanded and modernized with dramatic contours and thrilling new hole locations, challenging golfers of every skill level.
- Cowboys Golf Club is the first in the nation to feature Tif3D Bermuda on all 20 greens (18 holes plus practice facility), ensuring consistent, pristine championship-level conditions year-round.
- Five sets of tees were rebuilt with a classic square design, while every greenside bunker complex was repositioned to better frame the greens and elevate the short-game challenge.
- Architectural styling and bunkering features were comprehensively reimagined.
Notably, bunkers on the par-3 third hole were relocated to the front of the green, allowing the hillside backdrop to prominently showcase the Dallas Cowboys’ legendary star logo.
The driving range is a showstopper, featuring a 60-yard-long, game-used turf football field from the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, complete with an NFL regulation goal post and 14 cutting-edge Toptracer stations that bring data, practice, competition, and entertainment together. The short-game practice area was also fully revamped, including the addition of new bunkering and expanded chipping areas.
These enhancements were strategically designed to further elevate Cowboys Golf Club as one of the premier corporate event, outing, and sports-entertainment venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond.
“This transformation is about more than aesthetics – it’s about redefining and gamifying how people experience golf,” added Walker, who noted that Cowboys Golf Club now blends championship-caliber design with immersive entertainment in a way that reflects the power of the Dallas Cowboys brand and our commitment to innovation. “It’s golf redefined, fan-inspired, and built for families, players, and guests.”
The reimagined short-game area and the spectacular 18-hole putting course, “The Huddle,” feature an acre of Dallas Cowboys-blue turf, ensuring every moment is unforgettable. Each hole starts with the star logo, summoning the true Cowboys spirit.
Between rounds, golfers can enjoy food and beverage offerings at The Huddle’s Airstream trailer, serving up frozen margaritas, local beers, and signature barbacoa tacos and sausages crafted exclusively for Arcis Golf. The acclaimed Ring of Honor Kitchen & Bar (ROHK) features a bold Texas fusion menu, highlighting the freshest local ingredients and dry-aged meats. A 23-foot smoker and wood-fire grill accentuate smoky flavors, and soon, Neapolitan pizzas are fired to perfection in under two minutes. Guests can sip a jalapeno margarita or savor a curated bourbon tasting on the Five Points Patio, overlooking the new event lawn, putting course, and practice areas.
Super Bowl trophies, Tom Landry’s fedora, and other historic team mementoes line the Clubhouse interior and display cases, while stone markers throughout the course highlight milestone moments from the Cowboys’ rich history.
Arcis Golf owns eight additional clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – Bear Creek Golf Club, Lantana Golf Club, The Golf Club at Fossil Creek, The Club at Frisco Farms, Gentle Creek Country Club, Lake Park Golf Club, Mansfield National Golf Club, and The Golf Club at Twin Creeks – and owns and operates a national portfolio of premier clubs including The Woodlands Country Club in Houston, Texas, and host site of the Insperity Invitational, a PGA Tour Champions event; Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, and host site for the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur; Grayhawk Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, former host site for the 2021-2023 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championship; and The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, host to the PGA Tour Champions’ Boeing Classic, to name a few.
An industry leader in providing inventive programming and unrivaled lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $175 million over the past four years on property upgrades, new amenities, personnel, training, and systems to create extraordinary experiences and forge emotional connections with members and guests. The Company has received numerous honors, including recognition on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.
FUJIFILM present new 4K broadcast zoom lenses
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division, have announced the development of three new 4K broadcast zoom lenses: FUJINON UA16x4BERD (“UA16x4”), FUJINON UA30x7.3BERD (“UA30x7.3”), and UA94x8.7BESM (“UA94x8.7”). Each of these newly developed lenses covers a wide range of focal lengths in a single unit, providing strong support for immersive storytelling in a variety of broadcast production environments such as sports broadcasts, concerts, live events, and studio production.
UA16x4 and UA30x7.3
The newly developed UA16x4 and UA30x7.3 portable broadcast zoom lenses achieve both an extended wide-angle range and high zoom ratio, fitting a focal length range that surpasses previous models into a compact and lightweight body.
UA30x7.3 delivers a best-in-class 30x zoom range1 covering 7.3mm-219mm, and UA16x4 delivers a class-leading1 wide-angle range of 4mm-64mm while also achieving best-in-class1 16x zoom range. By optimizing all elements – from optical and mechanical design to production and control technology – these two lenses achieve optimal zoom magnification and wide-angle focal length while reducing size and weight.
In sports broadcasts, UA16x4 and UA30x7.3 support a wide range of framing options, from wide views capturing the entire stadium, to powerful zoom-ins and close-ups for post-game interviews, enabling flexible image creation. Additionally, the flexibility of these lenses enables creative freedom for camera operators in various filming environments.
“In professional production environments such as sports broadcasts, concerts, live broadcasts, and studio production, it is essential to reliably capture moments that are key to the competition or performance,” said Stosh Durbacz, vice president, Sales, Optical Devices Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “We’ve designed these lenses specifically to meet the needs of these high-stake situations, combining zoom performance that covers a wide range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto in a single lens with compact and lightweight designs that allow for agile operation.”
UA94x8.7
UA94x8.7 is a versatile box zoom lens for 2/3-inch sensor broadcast cameras, covering the wide-angle to super-telephoto focal range from 8.7mm to 818mm, providing operational flexibility. It is ideal for a wide variety of applications including sports broadcasts, concerts, and other large-scale live events. UA94x8.7 enables diverse visual creativity, from immersive wide-angle shots that capture the atmosphere to close-up footage that brings subjects vividly into focus.
“As professional video production styles diversify, broadcast equipment is increasingly being utilized across a wider range of settings, resulting in more demand for box lenses that offer high production quality and versatility, yet are still cost effective,” said Durbacz. “UA94×8.7 sits in a sweet spot between our UA70x and UA107x box zooms. It delivers a proprietary image stabilization system offering superior operability during zooming and focusing, reducing the burden on camera operators, and contributing to smooth operation in live production – at a price point we think will better align with their needs.”
Availability
UA94x8.7 is due to be released in fall of 2026, and both UA30x7.3 and UA16x4 are due to be released in spring of 2027. Fujifilm will showcase all three lenses at the 2026 NAB Show, the world’s largest international broadcast equipment trade shows, to be held in Las Vegas from April 19 to 22, 2026.
For more information about FUJINON broadcast and cinema lenses, visit https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/business/cine-and-broadcast.
Birmingham City partner with Guinness
Genius Sports & Pac-12 announce integrity, technology and AI partnership
Genius Sports have announced a new multi-year integrity, technology and AI partnership with the Pac-12 Conference (“Pac-12”) to power the next generation of authorised and responsible sports betting, integrity, fan engagement and monetisation, and performance analysis in college sports.
The partnership reinforces Genius Sports’ role as the operating system of modern sport. As part of the agreement, Genius Sports will deploy GeniusIQ, its data and AI platform, in every venue across Pac-12 football and men’s and women’s basketball competitions – creating a single, intelligent foundation for tracking data and video capture, real-time insights, and commercial activation.
Genius Sports and Pac-12 will collaborate on a wide range of innovations designed to safeguard integrity, improve the fan experience, and unlock new revenue streams.
Authorised betting and integrity safeguards
Genius Sports will serve as the exclusive distributor of official data from Pac-12 competitions to licensed sportsbooks worldwide. Through this role, the company will administer a new Authorised Gaming Operator (“AGO”) program designed to safeguard the integrity of Pac-12 competitions and protect student-athletes.
In addition to eliminating any negative and risky bet types, the AGO program will create greater transparency, information sharing and cooperation between the Pac-12, Genius Sports and licensed sportsbooks, and prevent prohibited bettors from placing wagers; all designed to combat the threat of betting-related corruption and protect student-athletes.
A new era of moment-based marketing
Genius Sports’ Moment Engine will enable brands to activate advertising in real-time around key moments in Pac-12 games across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms, transforming live sports data into programmable advertising opportunities.
For Pac-12 advertisers, this unlocks the ability to activate around Pac-12 moments that matter most, instantly, with greater precision and at scale.
Next-level performance insights
The partnership will also support Pac-12 schools by offering the most advanced performance analysis on the planet.
Programs will have access to the GeniusIQ-powered Performance Studio platform, providing coaches and athletes with cutting-edge analytics and video tools used by the majority of NBA and WNBA teams.
“College sports are entering a new era where official data and real-time intelligence power everything from integrity and betting and media to performance,” said Mark Locke, CEO at Genius Sports. “By deploying GeniusIQ across Pac-12 venues, we are building the data infrastructure that connects leagues, sportsbooks, broadcasters and advertisers in real-time.”
“The Pac-12 is thrilled to announce this partnership which will allow a college sports conference, for the first time, to impose direct and meaningful integrity restrictions on sportsbooks who receive and use Pac-12 data,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. “This partnership positions the Pac-12 as an early-mover in the data rights space, connecting to our strategic vision and challenger mindset to push boundaries in a disciplined fashion while introducing new opportunities for brand elevation and revenue growth."
GameChanger and GoPro team up for sports capture initiative
GameChanger, the #1 rated youth sports app for scorekeeping, live streaming, statistics, and team management, a DICK’S Sporting Goods company, and GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today announced a new partnership to make it easier for families to capture and share youth sports using GoPro cameras.
GameChanger has more than nine million active users, supports over one million teams, and covers upwards of nine million games annually across multiple youth sports. The partnership combines GoPro’s legendary camera durability and video quality with GameChanger’s reliable and easy-to-use live streaming app, giving families more ways to capture and share game day.
The new GameChanger GoPro bundle brings together GoPro’s top-of-the-line HERO13 Black camera, USB Pass-Through Door, 64GB SD card, protective case and the GameChanger streaming kit—everything families need for seamless, high-quality live streaming.
Through the new integration, families and coaches can now easily connect GoPro cameras directly within the GameChanger live streaming experience, bringing unique advantages that elevate the game day experience:
- Wide-Angle Lens – GoPro’s wide lens delivers expansive field-of-view coverage—capturing the full field in a single frame—so you never miss a play, a pass, or a celebration.
- Endless Power for Nonstop Streaming – GoPro’s advanced 1900 mAh Enduro battery keeps you powered through every inning, quarter, or match. For even longer runtimes—whether it’s a doubleheader or tournament day—take advantage of the USB Pass-Through Door or Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit to connect to an external power source of your choosing and never miss a play.
- Compact Size + Mounting Flexibility – Small enough to mount through chain-link fences—perfect for baseball, softball, and sideline setups. With a wide range of mounts—grips, tripods, clamps, and magnetic bases—you can easily position your GoPro behind home plate, on the dugout, or along the sidelines to capture every angle of the action.
- Rugged and Waterproof – GoPro cameras are built tough to handle rain, dust, and unpredictable conditions—so families never miss a moment, no matter the forecast.
- Frees Your Phone from Behind a Backstop – Families can keep their phone available for photos, messages, or staying connected during the game.
For millions of families already using GoPro cameras to capture their adventures, this integration unlocks expanded use on game day. With GameChanger and GoPro, the same camera that captures travel adventures, powder skiing, and family fun can now sit behind a chain-link fence and stream a Little League® game live to grandparents, relatives, and fans across the country.
“Our goal at GameChanger has always been to make live streaming simple and meaningful for youth sports families,” said GameChanger president, Sameer Ahuja. “Integrating with GoPro unlocks new levels of optionality, versatility, and performance on game day. Partnering with thepioneer in action camera technology allows us to deliver an even better experience to the millions of parents, coaches, and families who rely on GameChanger to capture the youth sports moments that matter most.”
“GoPro was built to help people capture and share their favorite experiences,” said Rick Loughery, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at GoPro. “Partnering with GameChanger brings that mission to youth sports families in a powerful new way—making it easier than ever to live stream the action, celebrate the highlights, and stay connected with loved ones no matter where they are.”
The GoPro integration is now available across all sports supported by GameChanger. Families and teams can start streaming today by updating their GameChanger app and pairing it with their GoPro through the GoPro Quik app. Learn more about the integration at help.gc.com.
Grass Valley upgrades Pitt Athletics production infrastructure
Grass Valley has expanded its long-term partnership with University of Pittsburgh Athletics by completing a major upgrade of its production infrastructure, transitioning the department’s broadcast facilities to a SMPTE ST 2110 IP backbone.
Pitt Athletics supports 19 NCAA Division I programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and produces more than 150 live events annually for broadcast, streaming, videoboards, and internal distribution. The IP upgrade, carried out in partnership with integrator Tab M Solutions, sought to modernize and future-proof Pitt’s live production infrastructure with its original 2018 SDI-based backend approaching end-of-life on several critical components.
“With more than 150 events produced annually, our production demands continue to grow across both broadcast and in-venue platforms,” explained Patrick O’Shea, Director of Operations and Strategy, University of Pittsburgh Athletics “The original LDX 86 installation allowed us to operate in 1080p from day one, and this upgrade now positions us for IP, HDR, and expanded slow-motion capabilities. Working with Tab M Solutions and Grass Valley allowed us to modernize in a way that protects our existing investments while giving us the flexibility to scale well into the future.”
The original 2018 installation included 14 Grass Valley LDX 86 cameras including two wireless units that were seamlessly integrated into the new ST 2110 IP backbone.
The upgrade replaced three V-Series K-Frame switcher frames and three Korona panelswith two full-size K-Frame XP frames and three Kayenne panels. Fully populated with SMPTE ST 2110 IP cards, the dual K-Frame XP architecture now powers six switcher suites across five existing PCRs and one new control room, delivering expanded ME capacity, shared processing, simultaneous broadcast and videoboard workflows, and enhanced system resilience.
Despite coordinating more than a dozen vendors, Tab M Solutions completed the rip-and-replace without disrupting Pitt’s production schedule.
“Pitt needed a scalable production backbone that could support expansion across multiple control rooms while increasing flexibility and resilience,” said Kevin Tucker, Partner & CTO, Tab M Solutions. “By leveraging Grass Valley’s K-Frame XP ecosystem within a full 2110 architecture, we centralized resources, increased capacity, and created a clear path toward HDR and expanded super slow-motion workflows.”
Tab M Solutions CEO, Joe Wire, added: “Our relationship with Pitt Athletics has always been centred on long-term strategy. From the original 1080p deployment to this full IP transformation, the goal has been to keep Pitt at the forefront of collegiate production technology. By building on a scalable Grass Valley ecosystem, we’re ensuring that their production capabilities continue to evolve alongside the demands of the ACC, national broadcasters, and emerging content platforms.”
The project also showcases Grass Valley’s continued growth in collegiate and venue production, demonstrating seamless migration from SDI to IP while preserving long-term camera investments.
“We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Pitt and Tab M and the innovations we’re bringing to the collegiate production market,” concluded Greg Doggett, VP of Sales, NAM Sports at Grass Valley. “This project highlights the longevity of the LDX 86 platform, seamless migration from SDI to 2110 IP, scalability of the K-Frame XP architecture, and a clear path toward HDR and expanded SSMO capabilities.”
Barlow Park vision for 2032 and beyond unveiled
The Crisafulli and Albanese Governments are delivering legacy benefits for 2032 and beyond and delivering a Games for all of Queensland, with the vision for the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade in Cairns unveiled.
Athletes and sports fans in the Far North can look forward to a cool and shaded new-look Barlow Park Stadium, designed by an award-winning team boasting outstanding local, national, and international experience.
Architectus – one of Queensland’s largest and most-diverse architectural studios – has been selected as Principal Architect for the upgrade after a rigorous six-month selection process.
The upgrade of Barlow Park Stadium will commence soon to deliver a new grandstand, improved player amenities and accessibility, better equipment for athletes and increased seating, ensuring a lasting sporting and entertainment legacy for Cairns.
The new grandstand will increase seating from 1,700 to 5,000 and provide better and more immersive views, as well improved shade protection specially tailored to the Far North’s sun and tropical rain.
The stadium upgrade will also provide expanded food and drink offerings with improved circulation and service points, so sports fans don’t miss the action while waiting in line.
Architectus has worked on a range of outstanding projects, including the iconic and award-winning Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane. They also completed the noted HMAS Cairns Redevelopment in Far North Queensland.
Architectus will collaborate with international sports architecture specialist HKS who are responsible for designing many of the world’s most recognised and acclaimed stadiums including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Barlow Park Stadium upgrade is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by GIICA.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the upgraded stadium would deliver generational benefits.
"Regional areas of Australia are a key part of our nation's sporting fabric, and upgrades like this to Barlow Park Stadium will help develop and inspire our next generation of sporting heroes,” Minister King said.
"A new grandstand with expanded capacity, and much-improved facilities for athletes and administration will provide an outstanding legacy for the Cairns community, benefitting the local schools and clubs who train and host their sporting carnivals on site, as well as our elite national sporting competitions."
Minister for Sport and Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said upgrading Barlow Park was about delivering a Games for all Queenslanders.
"The Games are back on track with early works at Barlow Park Stadium to begin at the end of this year’s footy season, and it will be a fantastic community asset for Cairns and the Far North during 2032 and beyond,” Minister Mander said.
“The people of the Far North love their sport, and the upgraded Barlow Park will deliver generational infrastructure and benefits for competitors and fans alike.”
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said 2032 would showcase Cairns on the world stage.
“This investment into regions like Cairns, help kids of today foster and grow their sporting skills right here at home.
“Things like good amenities, great fields and larger spaces like grandstands for families and community members to come and spectate help benefit not only those on the field but local schools and smaller clubs who can then go on to train and host their sporting events right here, in the same place where our elite national sporting events also come.”
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said Barlow Park Stadium would be a sporting hub for 2032 and beyond.
“The Crisafulli Government’s investment gives Far North Queensland a worldclass venue that reflects our region’s passion for sport and creates new opportunities for local clubs, schools and families,” Mr James said.
“As well as for events during the 2032 Games, Barlow Park will continue to host the gamut of football codes and remain the epicentre of Far North Queensland athletics.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the upgraded stadium would reflect and showcase the beautiful Far North.
“With the 2032 Games on the horizon, Cairns is ready to step onto the world stage,” Ms James said.
“The revitalised Barlow Park will not only host iconic moments during the Games, it will also leave a lasting social and economic legacy for our region by being a major drawcard for major events as well as sports.”
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said Cairns would become a destination of choice for national and international sporting and entertainment events.
“Cairns is really excited about the prospect of being part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and carrying the torch for regional Queensland,” Ms Eden said
“We are a great sporting city and having an expanded grandstand capacity and a range of new amenities at Barlow Park Stadium will provide the Cairns community with a vibrant hub for sporting and entertainment events.”
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said Barlow Park would be a key venue for the 2032 Games.
"GIICA has made great strides with our delivery program and the Barlow Park Stadium project in Cairns is at the heart of our 17 new and upgraded venues,” Mr Crooks said.
"Architectus is an outstanding Queensland company with a great track record of producing quality design across our state.”
Architectus Group Director Communities Mark van den Enden said the grandstand design reflected the easy going, outdoor character of the Far North.
The upgraded stadium will be designed to capture cooling breezes and create shade while also delivering a great view from every seat,” Mr van den Enden said.
“With its outstanding inner‑city location in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, a redeveloped Barlow Park can become a true home for local clubs and a hub for major sport and entertainment, creating lasting social and economic benefits for Cairns well beyond 2032.”
New York Jets: First NFL franchise to publish with SmartFrame
The New York Jets have become the first National Football League team to publish their official photography using SmartFrame's image-streaming technology.
The Jets have adopted the SmartFrame Images platform to retain control over their intellectual property and to create new commercial opportunities through SmartFrame's in-image advertising system.
Under the new partnership, images captured at New York Jets games and official team events will be published on smartframe.com and will be available for publishers to embed for free. Ownership of the images and their associated rights will remain fully with the New York Jets, allowing the organization to control how its official photography is displayed, distributed, and monetized across digital channels.
The agreement marks SmartFrame Technologies' first deployment with an NFL team and its first with a United States professional sports franchise. The platform is already used by sports organizations around the world, including New Zealand Rugby, Six Nations Rugby, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and Premier League clubs Manchester City FC, Everton FC, and Brentford FC. The partnership was facilitated by Pliner & Co.
Unlike traditional static image delivery, SmartFrame's technology streams images directly to audiences on sports and news websites around the world. This enables interactive features such as full-screen viewing and SmartFrame's proprietary Hyper Zoom technology, which boost fan engagement, together with integrated captions and Content Credentials that verify an image's provenance and ownership.
By streaming rather than downloading images, SmartFrame's platform also helps brands safeguard their intellectual property by providing protection against image theft, while delivering data and audience insights on how images are viewed and shared. The model is funded through high-impact, in-image advertising placements that compensate both the image owner and website publisher.
Rob Sewell, CEO of SmartFrame Technologies, said the partnership highlights a shift in how professional sports organizations are approaching ownership and value in digital media. "For decades, sports teams around the world have produced exceptional images, only to lose control of them once they appear online," said Sewell. "We're delighted to have the New York Jets as the first NFL team to adopt our technology for their official images, turning visual content into a strategic asset rather than a cost of doing business, and joining other leading sports organizations already enjoying the same benefits."
Evolv renew partnership with Houston Astros
Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, today announced that it has renewed and expanded its subscription agreement with the Houston Astros, a Major League Baseball team. Under the new agreement, which builds on an original partnership initiated in 2023, the Astros are upgrading their Express fleet to the latest Evolv Express® Gen2 hardware.
Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat, while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. These systems are deployed venue-wide at Daikin Park, the team’s 41,000-seat stadium in downtown Houston, TX, and provide entry screening for all guests and ballpark staff.
The renewal agreement also deploys Evolv eXpedite™ systems at Daikin Park, a first for a professional baseball stadium. eXpedite is Evolv’s AI-powered weapons detection solution for bags and is intended as a complement to Express in situations where venue entrants are carrying multiple items. At Daikin Park, the eXpedite units will perform screening for venue staff, who often arrive with high-clutter bags.
“Evolv has been a trusted supplier to the Astros since 2023, and we look forward to continuing our productive relationship into the future,” said Marcel Braithwaite, the team’s Senior Vice President, Business Operations. “Over the years, Express has helped us create a great guest arrival experience at hundreds of ballgames, concerts, and other events at Daikin Park. The upgrade to Gen2 hardware and the addition of eXpedite help us continue to deliver on our experience goals and standards for guests and staff alike.”
“We’re pleased to grow and renew our relationship with the Astros and Daikin Park,” stated John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “Together with the world-class staff at the team and ballpark, we’ve had a positive impact on more than nine million venue guests to date, and we’re excited to help welcome many million more in the coming years.”
With the Astros renewal, Evolv’s customer count in professional baseball stands at twelve. The new subscription agreement also cements the company’s position within the Houston sports market, where all four major league teams are customers. In addition, elsewhere in Texas, Evolv has professional and collegiate sports customers spanning from Dallas to El Paso. Worldwide, the company counts some 100 organizations on its sports and entertainment customer roster.