[September 28, 2011]

Bloomberg Sports to Provide Tools for MLB Postseason Broadcasts

Bloomberg (News - Alert) Sports today announced that it has reached a new licensing agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason broadcasters FOX Sports and TBS to provide custom-designed enhanced statistical analysis, professional analytical tools and a data feed of in-depth pitch analysis for each game of the 2011 playoffs and World Series. TBS is the exclusive television home of all four Division Series and the National League Championship Series, with FOX airing exclusively the American League Championship Series and World Series.

These new features, including very detailed predictive tools for pitcher-batter matchups, will give broadcast teams unique information on player tendencies and the potential outcome of each play, improving the experience and engagement level for the viewer like never before. For instance, broadcasters will have the ability to provide the viewer with the likelihood that a player will reach base, based on count, bases occupied, inning, and number of outs. The tools are a media-designed version of the same analytics system that Bloomberg has built for MLB (News - Alert) teams. Currently, the majority of MLB clubs are using Bloomberg Sports' tools for season-long player analysis and scouting.

Another new and unique feature that is exclusive to FOX Sports is a state-of-the-art on-base pecentage predictor for each batter that updates with each pitch. This innovative technology is customized to any matchup and the circumstances of the game.

"We have made tremendous advances in adapting our products for use with every audience, and this new relationship with FOX Sports and Turner is the latest example," said Bill Squadron, head of Bloomberg Sports. "We are very pleased that in less than two years Bloomberg Sports is already seen as a leader in the field of sport analysis and innovation. These new tools for the networks will give viewers a more detailed breakdown and fascinating insights into player performance and the inner workings and strategy of baseball, which we believe will enhance their enjoyment of the game."

In addition to the detailed match-up analysis features, Bloomberg Sports will provide both networks log-ins for their research, production and on-air staffs, which will give them the ability to provide the most comprehensive information on matchups ever presented.

This new licensing agreement with MLB's postseason broadcasters marks the end of a landmark year for Bloomberg L.P's division in its second year of operation. Bloomberg's "Front Office" fantasy baseball and "Decision Maker" fantasy football tools were among the best-selling and widest used products in the consumer marketplace this past year. Bloomberg also introduced a tablet product for Major League players, quickly becoming the instrument of choice for players to review video and prepare for upcoming games.

Additional new products and enhancements for teams and the consumer are currently being planned for the 2011 offseason and the 2012 regular season.

About Bloomberg Sports

Named one of the "Ten Most Innovative Companies in Sports" by Fast Company Magazine, Bloomberg Sports continues to be the emerging leader in data analytics for consumers and professionals. The division, which was launched in 2010, takes technology developed by Bloomberg, the leading global provider in data and analytics, and applies them to the vast data analysis opportunities in sports. Working with MLB.com and NFL.com, Bloomberg Sports fantasy products give fans the most powerful resources as they draft and manage their fantasy teams. Additionally, Bloomberg Sports provides professional products that deliver Major League Baseball clubs with a secure, virtually unlimited set of analytical functions to assist them in personnel evaluation and performance matchups. A professional player baseball product was introduced earlier this year, providing quick and portable access to video for game preparation. For more details, please visit http://www.bloombergsports.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) (@BloombergSports) and Facebook.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]