Microsoft confirms Surface NFL deal renewal, but only for a limited period

We posted a few days ago that Microsoft has renewed their deal to promote their Surface range on the NFL sideline, and now more detail has emerged regarding the deal.

As before Microsoft will supply its Surface tablets to coaches and players to examine footage of previous plays during matches and for referees to use for video reviews.

Last time Microsoft signed on to the deal it was in 2013 for 5 years, at the cost of $400 million.

This time, however, it is only for a 12 month period ending  2018/19 season. The cost was not disclosed on this occasion.

It is not clear why Microsoft and the NFL took a more cautious route in terms of the length of the deal on this occasion, but it does raise questions on both sides, with some uncertainty around Microsoft’s commitment to Surface on Microsoft’s side and the NFL’s brand and ratings on the other.

In a statement Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president at Microsoft said:

“We’re excited to help the NFL change the game with Surface devices being used by players and coaches on the sidelines to make more informed decisions, referees using Surface for instant replay to enhance the speed of the game, and teams using Microsoft products in their business and football operations. We look forward to continuing the partnership next season.”

Source: SportsProMedia