NBC Sports Brings Three New Divisions under “Next” Roof

As NBC Sports continues to consolidate its presence in the sports and technology space, the company is unifying three individual brands under the “Next” brand.

NBC Keeps Pace with Changes in Sports and Tech

NBC Sports’ Digital & Consumer Business division will launch a new team brand known as NBC Sports Next, which will bring together three of the company’s latest groups. This includes Gaming & Emerging Media, Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf and Betting.

The decision reflects a broader consolidation across sports, sports gambling and media assets. In a press statement, NBC Sports Next executive vice president Will McIntosh argued that NBC Sports has never shunned the opportunity to establish its footprint in the sports and technology sectors and at the intersections where these two verticals come together. 

“We’re proud to bring our top products and teams together under one integrated brand that will serve as a permanent home for opportunities across applications and technologies,” McIntosh explained. NBC Sports Next will be the go-to point to catch up to any new developments in the sports and technology industry,” the executive explained. 

Ultimately, NBC Sports Next is committed to providing sports fans with more actionable options that will help improve the sports experience for everyone. The offer will be available through apps and digital products. 

Where Sports and Tech Goes, NBC Follows 

NBC Sports Next, explained chief customer officer Jody Vogelaar, was a name that was designed to exude confidence and reinforce the company’s commitment to move with the times and wherever sports and technology go. 

“With this brand transformation and unique position within the media industry, NBC Sports Next’s portfolio of mobile and digital applications in the sports and entertainment space provides unparalleled experiences for our partners, advertisers, customers, athletes, and fans,” Vogelaar said in an official statement. 

NBC Sports Next is effectively bringing together the SportsEngine and GolfNow entities that will be joining NBC Sports Enterprises, hoping to lead to better innovation and more intuitive sports experiences. 

The move also reflects the growth of sports betting, gaming and media businesses that are comping together, as exemplified by the purchase of Score Media and Gaming by Penn National and Barstool Sports, to continue cranking up the number of news pieces it produces.