THE NFL AND GOOGLE EXPAND RELATIONSHIP TO BRING FANS THE NEXT GENERATION OF NFL STORYTELLING IN VIRTUAL REALITY

NFL Films to produce a virtual reality series that will be available through YouTube and the NFL VR app designed for Daydream

11/3/16: The NFL and Google today announced an expansion of their relationship that will allow fans around the world to see the NFL as never before in virtual reality.  NFL Films, the most honored filmmaker in sports, will produce a 9-part series that gives viewers a 360-degree perspective of life in and around the NFL – from players, to coaches, to executives, to cheerleaders, to the fans themselves – detailing how each prepares for game day in a completely new and immersive way.

The first episode of the virtual reality series will be available to watch via the NFL channel on YouTube on Thanksgiving Day.  Later this year, episodes will also be available via the NFL VR app designed for Daydream, Google’s high-quality mobile VR offering, along with other immersive content experiences.

This will be the NFL’s first foray into producing content in virtual reality, after having experimented with the technology last season.  The series will also be the first episodic sports program in virtual reality.

“We are always looking for new ways to engage with our fans.  Virtual reality is an emerging platform that enables content experiences with a truly unique vantage point that brings fans closer to the game,” said Vishal Shah, Senior Vice President, Digital Media at the NFL.  “It’s an exciting new medium to explore as we look to evolve and grow our offerings, and this partnership with Google is an important step in that direction.”

The NFL Films series is currently in production and being shot using Jump, Google’s 360-degree camera and capture system.  In the first episode of the series, viewers will spend a week with the Philadelphia Eagles defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming matchup and gain exclusive access to the Eagles bench and sideline on game day.  Other episodes will give viewers the opportunity to tag along with the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, experience the distinctive football culture in Green Bay, and take a unique look inside the San Diego Chargers organization, to name a few.

“This series will give fans an opportunity to connect with the NFL like never before, whether they are on YouTube or using Google’s virtual reality headset, Daydream View,” said Amit Singh, Vice President, Google VR.  “We’re thrilled to work with the NFL to capture the series with Jump and bring it to YouTube and Daydream.”

“NFL Films has always been known for telling great football stories and capturing the emotional essence of our sport,” said Ross Ketover, Senior Executive at NFL Films.  “Now using Google VR technology, there’s potential to do that in a whole new way and we’re excited to bring that perspective to our fans.”

The NFL and YouTube have been partners since 2015, combining the world’s most popular sports league and video platform.  Since launching its official YouTube channel in 2015, NFL content has garnered over a billion views, providing fans an even greater variety of NFL video to watch on PCs, tablets, and mobile phones around the world.

Today, the NFL’s official channel on YouTube carries game previews, in-game highlights, post-game recaps as well as clips featuring news, analysis, fantasy football advice, and other select content from NFL Media properties.  Additionally, three of the most memorable games for each of the 32 clubs in the NFL are posted in their entirety on the NFL’s YouTube channel.