EA Sports is partnering with Genius Sports, the exclusive data provider of the NFL, to present EA Sports Madden NFL Cast this month.
Genius Sports’ GeniusIQ next-gen data and AI and its next-gen stats will be featured in an alternative stream on Peacock for a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on Dec. 21. Steve Bornstein, president of Genius Sports’ North American operations, said the company is “delighted” to be a part of the stream.
“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,” Bornstein said. “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.”
Genius Sports stats to shine during Madden Cast
Genius Sports may not be a familiar name to sports bettors, but it plays a huge role in NFL betting as the league’s exclusive data provider. In other words, US sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings use Genius Sports’ data for their retail and online sportsbooks.
Football fans will likely recognize Genius’ next-gen stats, which provide viewers with metrics such as how fast players run and, for example, the percentage-based chance a player had to make an acrobatic catch.
The Madden stream will bring Genius to the forefront both for sports bettors and NFL fans, raising the profile of a company that typically operates in the background to ensure sports betting platforms receive accurate, up-to-date stats.
Quirky mix of video game elements, football personalities to highlight stream
Those who’ve played Madden football on their gaming console will instantly recognize many of the enhancements the EA Sports Madden Cast will offer, including:
- Route trees
- Play cards
- Player ratings
The gaming company is working with Genius Sports to present data-driven features during the stream, too.
Former NFL receiver to headline Madden Cast
In addition to weaving in elements of the Madden franchise, the EA Sports Madden NFL Cast will feature a play-by-play and commentary team headlined by former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco Johnson.
Ochocinco will comment on player ratings in real time, presumably judging whether players have earned their Madden rating based on their performances. For example, a bad interception from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could prompt Ochocinco to drop the star’s rating from 99 to 98.
NBC Sports announcer Paul Burmeister will do the stream’s play-by-play.
Former NFL quarterback and YouTuber Kurt Benkert will discuss possible plays using graphic overlays, and professional Madden player Henry Leverette will offer his insight.
