The NFL has teamed up with NetApp for the latter to become the league’s official intelligent data infrastructure partner.
NetApp will integrate its silo-free storage data into NFL management to help drive greater data insights to provide “transformative solutions” for the league.
Renie Anderson, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer of the NFL, said: “The global partnership between the NFL and NetApp represents a shared commitment to leveraging intelligent data to drive transformative solutions for the league.
“By combining our expertise with NetApp’s industry-leading intelligent data infrastructure, we can unlock new efficiencies that accelerate innovation within our game.”
With a presence in over multiple countries globally and an estimated 218 million fans in the US, the NFL is seeking greater insights to enhance the fan experience; in-stadium or on-screen.
The NFL will utilise NetApp’s technology to elevate its data storage strategy. The league will integrate the ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection solution and the NetApp cyber vault, solutions that will better protect customers from data loss and downtime by detecting threats in real-time.
Cesar Cernuda, President at NetApp, commented: “The NFL has been a long-standing customer of NetApp, and it is gratifying to see their interest in expanding our relationship.
“By helping the NFL build an intelligent data infrastructure, we are elevating the sport for fans of football everywhere. Bringing intelligence to the league’s data storage allows them to modernise their infrastructure and gives them the tools they need to agilely adapt to the future.”
Global solution for a global league
Due to the NFL placing more emphasis on its international expansion more than ever before, the league will have to contend with more customers from different markets with different infrastructures in place.
The NFL is set to host a record seven international regular season games during the 2025 season: three in London, one in Berlin, one in Dublin, one in Madrid, and one in São Paulo.
By becoming a presenting sponsor of all seven NFL International Series games, NetApp will gain a presence at each game, expanding its visibility to potential new customers and partners.
“Working with NetApp has helped us serve football fans worldwide by streamlining our technology operations and enabling us to be better custodians of our sport,” added Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer at the NFL.
“We strive to innovate and excel in everything we do and work with partners that share those values. Over the years we have worked together, NetApp has earned our trust that they can meet those high standards. With an intelligent data infrastructure powered by NetApp technology, we have a secure data storage strategy that can carry us into the future.”
