This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is suiting up with the NFL to bring artificial intelligence right onto the sidelines. The company said Thursday its Copilot and Azure AI tools will now power decision-making for playcallers, giving coaches real-time support when the pressure is highest.
The expanded partnership means 1,800 players and 1,000 coaches and staff will get Surface Copilot+ PCs, while the Sideline Viewing System will push insights straight into offensive and defensive game plans. It’s designed to help coaches call smarter plays and avoid the What was I thinking? moments that often come with split-second choices.
We are entering a new era of innovation at the NFL, said league CIO Gary Brantley, adding that Microsoft has been a trusted partner for over a decade. Rams head coach Sean McVay noted the tech should help him stick to game plans more consistently and put players in the best spot to win.
Off the field, AI will also lend a hand in film study and playbook prep. For Microsoft, it’s another high-profile showcase of how its AI ecosystem is becoming indispensable in real-world settings.