NFL drives digital transformation with Microsoft Surface and Teams

By Elly Yates-Roberts on 04 March 2020

The National Football League (NFL) will use Microsoft Surface devices and Microsoft Teams to enhance collaboration and communication across the whole organisation, as part of an expanded partnership with Microsoft.

Many clubs are already using the Teams platform. According to Microsoft, the New York Jets use it to ensure messages are transmitted accurately in real time and the Miami Dolphins planned much of the 54th Super Bowl at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida through it.

“Since 2013, Microsoft has helped transform the NFL through technology around our game,” said Renie Anderson, executive vice president of NFL Partnerships. “Microsoft Surface has quickly become an authentic tool to the game of football and is vital during all NFL games for coaches, players and NFL officials. And now, by working together to integrate Microsoft Teams across the League, we aim to improve on communications and collaboration in a modern way.”

Microsoft’s Surface Sideline Viewing System (SVS) brings near-real-time images and game data to players and coaches. Microsoft Surface Instant Replay (MSIR) also enables officials on the field to access instant replay which helps improve the pace of play.

“We're inspired to continue to help the NFL accelerate its digital transformation,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of devices, Microsoft. “We've worked together to innovate the way the game is played with Surface devices to power Instant Replay and in-game play review for players and coaches on the sidelines. And by combining Surface and Microsoft Teams deeper into the fast-paced workflow of the League, we have an incredible opportunity to bring together the power of hardware and software to help everyone be more productive.”