In the podcast episode of “Smart Talks with IBM,” Brian Ryerson from the U.S. Tennis Association discusses how AI is enhancing the fan experience at the U.S. Open through tools like SlamTracker and generative AI for match reports. He emphasizes the importance of delivering real-time insights and personalized content to engage fans, both on-site and remotely, while highlighting the transformative potential of AI in sports marketing and storytelling.
In the podcast episode of “Smart Talks with IBM,” host Malcolm Gladwell interviews Brian Ryerson, the Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). The discussion centers around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the fan experience at the U.S. Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Ryerson explains that the USTA’s mission is to grow the sport of tennis across the U.S., with the U.S. Open serving as a key event to showcase tennis at its highest level. The partnership with IBM, which has lasted over 30 years, has evolved to include generative AI technologies that significantly improve digital experiences for fans. Explore IBM AI Solutions → IBM and the US Open
Ryerson elaborates on the various digital platforms managed by his team, including the U.S. Open website and mobile app. He emphasizes the importance of engaging fans who cannot attend the event in person, as well as enriching the experience for those who are onsite. The digital strategy focuses on providing real-time information, match insights, and storytelling that resonates with different types of fans, from casual viewers to data enthusiasts. The challenge lies in delivering relevant content quickly and effectively, especially given the dynamic nature of live sports.
One of the standout features discussed is SlamTracker, a live scoring and match analysis tool that provides fans with detailed insights during matches. Ryerson explains how the app serves as a companion for fans, offering predictions, live scores, and visualizations of match data. The integration of AI allows for the rapid generation of match highlights and summaries, which enhances the storytelling aspect of the sport. This capability not only keeps fans informed but also helps them navigate the complexities of multiple matches happening simultaneously.
The conversation also delves into the use of generative AI for creating match reports and commentary. Ryerson describes how AI technology, particularly IBM’s watsonx, is utilized to analyze structured and unstructured data to produce concise narratives about matches. This innovation allows the USTA to cover every match comprehensively, providing fans with insights that were previously difficult to achieve at scale. The focus on accuracy and quality control is paramount, with human oversight ensuring that the AI-generated content is reliable and engaging. AI news moves fast. Sign up for a monthly newsletter for AI updates from IBM.→ IBM Registration form
Looking to the future, Ryerson expresses excitement about the potential of AI to personalize content for fans around the world. He envisions a scenario where fans receive tailored insights based on their preferences, enhancing their connection to the sport. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of AI on sports marketing and fan engagement, suggesting that the future of tennis and other sports will increasingly rely on data-driven storytelling to captivate audiences globally. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions, strategies or opinions.