NFL and Microsoft Extend Strategic Partnership for AI Innovation Across the League

The NFL and Microsoft have extended their strategic partnership to integrate AI innovations across the league. The partnership aims to enhance game day decisions with Microsoft's Copilot technology, provide real-time game data analysis, and streamline operations. The partnership also includes the use of Azure AI video tools during practice sessions and a Microsoft Azure AI Foundry-powered app for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The extension aims to drive productivity across various business functions, including finance, human resources, and events.

The National Football League (NFL) and Microsoft Corp. have announced an extension of their strategic partnership, focusing on the integration of AI innovations across the league. This collaboration aims to enhance game day decisions, provide real-time game data analysis, and streamline operations. The extension also includes the use of Azure AI video tools during practice sessions and a Microsoft Azure AI Foundry-powered app for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

The partnership, which has been ongoing for over a decade, will now expand to drive productivity across various business functions, including finance, human resources, and events. With 30 stadiums and over 330 events each year, the NFL is one of the most widely watched sports leagues worldwide. The integration of Microsoft's AI business solutions and cloud and AI platforms will enable coaches and players to access and analyze game insights and performance in real-time, making more informed decisions more efficiently and customized.

The NFL's Sideline Viewing System for every club has been upgraded with more than 2,500 Microsoft Surface Copilot+ PCs. These devices empower 32 clubs, roughly 1,800 players, and more than 1,000 coaches and club football staff with real-time game data and analysis tools. Coaches and players now have access to a new feature built with GitHub Copilot, which allows them to filter plays based on criteria such as down and distance, scoring plays, and penalties, enabling quicker analysis of formations and coverages.

Moreover, the partnership includes a Copilot-powered game day operations dashboard to track and categorize key game day incidents, such as weather delays or technical equipment issues, to improve future decision-making. Microsoft is also working to infuse Azure AI video tools during individual clubs' practice sessions to aid in reviewing coaching, evaluations, and player injury assessments.

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine saw coaches and scouts from clubs across the league using a Microsoft Azure AI Foundry-powered app for more intelligent and real-time insights on over 300 prospects. The NFL Players Association is also leveraging Microsoft AI solutions as part of its video review process to improve efficiency for staff and safety for players.

The extension of the partnership is more than just a football story; it serves as a blueprint for transformation. Whether preparing for the championship or running a global enterprise, the principles of insights matter, preparation is essential, and the ability to act quickly are critical. The NFL and Microsoft are committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nfl-and-microsoft-expand-partnership-to-bring-copilot-to-the-sidelines-and-beyond-302534321.html
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/nfl-and-microsoft-expand-partnership-bring-copilot-sidelines-and-beyond-2025-08-20