Houston Rockets Introduce AI Mascot ClutchBot for Enhanced Fan Engagement

The Houston Rockets, in collaboration with Theta Labs, have introduced "ClutchBot," an AI-powered mascot designed to enhance fan engagement through real-time information and interactive experiences. This innovative mascot leverages Theta EdgeCloud technology, a decentralized GPU infrastructure, to provide fans with up-to-date information on games, tickets, lineups, stats, venue details, and team news.

ClutchBot is equipped with a custom AI agent trained on extensive Rockets and NBA data, enabling it to answer a wide range of fan inquiries accurately and in real-time. Fans can interact with ClutchBot by asking questions such as "When is the next game?" or "How many points did the Rockets score last night?" The mascot will draw information from Houston’s database and the NBA API to provide precise and current responses.

This partnership aims to create a more immersive and accessible fan experience that extends beyond traditional stadium and social media interactions. By offering an interactive mascot with deep knowledge of the team and league, fans can engage with the Rockets in a novel and exciting way. Starting next season in the fall of 2025, fans worldwide will be able to interact with ClutchBot through the official Houston Rockets website.

Theta Labs, the leading provider of decentralized cloud infrastructure for AI, media, and entertainment, is excited about this collaboration. Theta Labs' EdgeCloud technology is designed to bring cutting-edge AI experiences directly to fans through decentralized infrastructure. This initiative represents a significant shift in how teams can create 24/7 fan engagement that is personalized, scalable, and democratized. The Rockets are pioneering a new standard for digital fan interaction across professional sports.

Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations for the Houston Rockets, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Theta Labs. She noted that this collaboration will enable the Rockets to provide a more personalized and engaging fan experience on their website and mobile app. ClutchBot, with its enhanced functionality, will offer fans real-time answers powered by Theta Labs' state-of-the-art technology.

Theta Labs is backed by prominent investors including Samsung, Sony, Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, and Creative Artists Agency. Theta EdgeCloud, the first hybrid cloud-edge computing AI platform, offers over 80 PetaFLOPS of on-demand distributed GPU compute power. It has already attracted 25 global customers, including top professional sports teams and esports organizations.

The Houston Rockets, owned by Tilman J. Fertitta since October 2017, have a rich history in the NBA, winning back-to-back championships in 1993-94 and 1994-95. The team is committed to utilizing the power of basketball to transform lives and positively impact the community through its charity, the Clutch City Foundation.