IBM and the US Tennis Association Are Using AI to Elevate Match Coverage

AI-powered enhancements at the U.S. Open: IBM and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) are set to introduce cutting-edge generative AI features at the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament, elevating the fan experience and match coverage to new heights.

• The collaboration builds upon a partnership spanning over three decades, showcasing IBM’s commitment to innovation in sports technology.
• These AI-driven enhancements aim to provide more comprehensive and timely coverage of all matches, freeing up editorial teams to focus on creating other valuable content.

Key AI features unveiled: The new generative AI capabilities are designed to offer fans deeper insights and more engaging content throughout the tournament.

• AI-generated match report summaries will be available within minutes of the conclusion of every men’s and women’s singles match, powered by IBM’s watsonx platform and the Granite 13B large language model.
• Enhanced AI commentary will provide automated English audio and subtitles for summary highlight videos, making match coverage more accessible to a wider audience.
• A redesigned SlamTracker will offer detailed insights before, during, and after matches, including win predictions and point-by-point analysis, giving fans a more immersive experience.

Quality control and human oversight: To ensure accuracy and maintain high editorial standards, the USTA is implementing a review process for AI-generated content.

• USTA editorial staff will review and update the AI-generated content before it is published, striking a balance between the efficiency of AI and the nuanced understanding of human experts.
• This approach allows for rapid content generation while maintaining the integrity and quality of the tournament’s coverage.

Expanding beyond the court: IBM and the USTA Foundation are also collaborating to provide educational opportunities in technology for aspiring students.

• Free career readiness training will be offered through IBM SkillsBuild to students from select USTA Foundation National Junior Tennis & Learning chapters.
• This initiative demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the partnership for broader social impact, connecting sports with technology education.

Impact on tournament coverage: The introduction of these AI features is set to transform how the U.S. Open is experienced and reported.

• By automating certain aspects of match coverage, the technology allows for more extensive reporting on a larger number of matches across the tournament.
• Fans can expect more timely and detailed information about matches, potentially increasing engagement and understanding of the tournament as a whole.

Technological implications: The implementation of generative AI at a major sporting event like the U.S. Open signals a growing trend in sports technology.

• This use case demonstrates the practical applications of large language models and AI in real-time event coverage and analysis.
• It also highlights the potential for AI to enhance spectator experiences in other sports and live events.

Looking ahead: The integration of AI into the U.S. Open coverage represents a significant step forward in sports technology, with potential ripple effects across the industry.

• As these technologies are refined and expanded, we may see similar implementations in other major sporting events, changing how fans interact with and consume sports content.
• The balance between AI-generated content and human expertise will likely remain a key consideration as these technologies evolve and become more prevalent in sports coverage.