SBJ Power Up: Springbok Analytics working with Leicester City FC

In our last SBJ Tech staff meeting, we talked about the recent AT&T data breach and wondered aloud what the potential approach would be for a sports team/league/etc. in a similar situation. If you have any thoughts to share on that, I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. -- Ethan Joyce

In today's edition of Power Up:

LCFC, Springbok Analytics team up AI startup Zapata sees stock drop Monumental to debut alt-casts Leicester City FC partners with Springbok Analytics to utilize their AI-powered muscle analysis platform

Springbok Analytics has partnered with Leicester City FC. The team will use Springbok -- which turns MRI results into 3D muscle breakdowns that offer observations and insights -- as an enhancement to their player performance. Springbok’s AI-powered platform can integrate with a team’s existing MRI workflow to assist with player training and recovery.

Springbok evaluates the musculoskeletal system by harnessing AI to generate 3D images, then compares the data with muscle profiles of other athletes playing the same sport and position.

Andretti's AI SPAC deal sees stock price plunge

Artificial intelligence startup Zapata Computing Holdings Inc.'s stock "plunged" as much as 54% in its debut after a merger with former IndyCar driver Michael Andretti's SPAC brought the company public. Shares of Zapata AI dropped to $7.74 today as of 12:17pm ET, 43% below its pre-merger closing price.

It is the company’s first day of trading on the Nasdaq after completing the deal with Andretti Acquisition Corp. The vast majority of the SPAC shares "were redeemed for cash," meaning the infusion for Zapata was "far more modest" than the $230M that Andretti raised in its 2022 IPO. As of press time, Zapata's stock price sat at $6.60.

Monumental to debut 'Manningcast'-style alt-casts

Monumental Sports Network will feature three alternate Wizards broadcasts and five alternate Capitals broadcasts over the remainder of the teams' regular seasons. The broadcasts, available on linear TV and the network’s streaming platform "as a complement to the regular game broadcast, will be modeled after ESPN’s 'Manningcast,'" with a "rotating list of guests providing analysis and commentary" from the network’s recently opened studios adjacent to Capital One Arena.

Former Wizards play-by-play voice Steve Buckhantz is returning to offer commentary. Also to be featured on the Wizards' alternate broadcasts are former Maryland G Greivis Vasquez and former Wizards C Jason Smith. Radio voice JP Finlay will serve as the primary host. The Capitals' alternate broadcasts will be hosted by radio voice Grant Paulsen and feature former Capitals F Devante Smith-Pelly, former Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau and longtime Capitals reporter Tarik El-Bashir.

More headlines from SBJ ESPN broadcast picks up on PitchCom communications during Cardinals-Dodgers game NFL's decision for two exclusive streamed games was 'interconnectedness' Arizona legislation could help Coyotes arena financing, bring top-level soccer to Phoenix area Titans tap Fanatics to run retail business Pro Padel League unveils broadcast, streaming plan for 2024 season-opening events Burns, N.C. State looking to cash in on surprise Final Four appearance
Must-reads in tech Time: U.S., U.K. Announce Partnership to Safety Test AI Models Business Insider: Where are the Apple Vision Pro's killer apps? The Wall Street Journal: Google Pledges to Destroy Browsing Data to Settle ‘Incognito’ Lawsuit Upcoming events April 15-17 -- CAA World Congress of Sports May 21-22 -- 4se May 22 -- Sports Business Awards June 11-12 -- Brand Innovation Summit

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