Publications
Publications
- January 2024
- HBS Case Collection
National Football League and Private 5G
By: Andy Wu, Grant Son and Shuoyu Chen
Abstract
On September 9, 2021, the National Football League (NFL) designated Verizon as its official 5G partner in a 10-year deal, committed to enhance the experience for NFL teams, players, and fans in stadiums. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Verizon will help us capitalize on the promise of 5G technology, paving the way for the future of the game.” Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg highlighted the alliance’s potential to “improve player training and overall venue operations.”
Two years later, on September 7, 2023, Verizon officially launched their Private 5G network, Verizon’s Managed Private Wireless Solution, across all 30 NFL stadiums for the 2023 season. The Managed Private Wireless solution underwent an initial pilot during all five international NFL games in the 2022 season, encompassing the deployment and management of private wireless technology, testing and coordination, and in-game operational support, persisting through the 2023 pre-season. Verizon’s Private Wireless network provided on-field, full in-game support for coach-to-coach communications. According to Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business, “In every NFL stadium, coach-to-coach communications will run on a dedicated Managed Private Wireless Solution.” The introduction of this solution in NFL stadiums for the 2023 season was lauded by Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer at the NFL, as a “significant milestone” in the collaboration between Verizon Business and the NFL, affirming the commitment to enhancing and innovating the in-stadium experience.
How would the NFL navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological leap? Adopting a Private 5G network introduced a multifaceted dilemma, forcing the NFL to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties associated with this initiative. As the NFL navigated the balance between enhancing fan engagement and managing the intricacies of technology adoption and network management, it created a narrative that demanded exploration. The decisions made by the NFL in this context would not only influence the in-stadium experience but also have far-reaching implications for the future of sports broadcasting and fan interaction. Did the NFL correctly navigate its intricate web of challenges and decisions faced by the league and member clubs? Did the NFL correctly unravel the complexities and strategic considerations at the intersection of sports, technology, and fan expectations?
Two years later, on September 7, 2023, Verizon officially launched their Private 5G network, Verizon’s Managed Private Wireless Solution, across all 30 NFL stadiums for the 2023 season. The Managed Private Wireless solution underwent an initial pilot during all five international NFL games in the 2022 season, encompassing the deployment and management of private wireless technology, testing and coordination, and in-game operational support, persisting through the 2023 pre-season. Verizon’s Private Wireless network provided on-field, full in-game support for coach-to-coach communications. According to Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business, “In every NFL stadium, coach-to-coach communications will run on a dedicated Managed Private Wireless Solution.” The introduction of this solution in NFL stadiums for the 2023 season was lauded by Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer at the NFL, as a “significant milestone” in the collaboration between Verizon Business and the NFL, affirming the commitment to enhancing and innovating the in-stadium experience.
How would the NFL navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological leap? Adopting a Private 5G network introduced a multifaceted dilemma, forcing the NFL to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties associated with this initiative. As the NFL navigated the balance between enhancing fan engagement and managing the intricacies of technology adoption and network management, it created a narrative that demanded exploration. The decisions made by the NFL in this context would not only influence the in-stadium experience but also have far-reaching implications for the future of sports broadcasting and fan interaction. Did the NFL correctly navigate its intricate web of challenges and decisions faced by the league and member clubs? Did the NFL correctly unravel the complexities and strategic considerations at the intersection of sports, technology, and fan expectations?
Keywords
Football; National Football League; 5G; Verizon; Communication Technology; Mobile and Wireless Technology; Technology Adoption; Risk and Uncertainty; Business Strategy; Collaborative Innovation and Invention; Sports Industry; Telecommunications Industry
Citation
Wu, Andy, Grant Son, and Shuoyu Chen. "National Football League and Private 5G." Harvard Business School Case 724-433, January 2024.