nbc sports next

RORY McILROY PROVIDES PERSONALIZED GAME-IMPROVEMENT ADVICE TO EVERYDAY GOLFERS ON SEASON FOUR OF ‘ASK RORY, PRESENTED BY BMW’, STREAMING TODAY EXCLUSIVELY ON GOLFPASS

August 30, 2023 By admin

Amateurs Get Free Advice Through Video Instruction from One of the Best Players in the World

Special Episodes Feature NBC’s 3^rd Hour of TODAY Co-Hosts and Avid Golfers Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer

Watch a Preview of Ask Rory HERE

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2023) – Global golf superstar Rory McIlroy returns today for season four of Ask Rory, presented by BMW, the popular NBC Sports Next GolfPass series that gives amateur golfers the rare opportunity to ask for game-improvement advice from one of the best golfers in the world. Ask Rory, chock full of tips and strategies from the four-time major champion and one of the sport’s most-recognized players, can be streamed via the GolfPass website, app and on connected devices.

Golfers of all kinds were invited to send in their questions on video for a chance to have McIlroy take on their challenge by breaking down a customized solution. In each of nine episodes, he offers insights, strategies and tips from tee to green, helping members improve their skills and course management.

“It’s rare that you get to have a professional golfer give you personalized instruction,” said Kevin Schultz, Senior Director of Lifestyle Content for GolfPass. “Rory was so great to work with and had a lot of fun shooting this season, and it showed. He doesn’t just throw out generic advice but really thinks through the best way to help each golfer by using his own experience and expertise.”

A special episode 3 features avid golfer Craig Melvin, news anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of the 3^rd hour of TODAY, who asks McIlroy for advice on how to overcome a persistent problem with his game. Fellow 3^rd Hour of TODAY co-host and NBC News meteorologist Dylan Dreyer also gets a tip from McIlroy during the series-concluding XM Power Round, presented by BMW episode, where McIlroy answers a series of questions from GolfPass members and celebrities, alike.

Hosted by Chris Como, noted golf instructor to the pros and a member of the GolfPass instruction staff, Ask Rory was produced on location at The Club at Admiral’s Cove in south Florida.

GOLFPASS HELPS GOLFERS PLAY MORE AND BETTER GOLF: GolfPass features a vast library of original video content available exclusively as part of a GolfPass membership, including original shows like Home Course Advantage, On Tour/On Course, My Roots, My Daily Routine, and more. GolfPass also offers a vast instructional library featuring more than 4,500 video titles, including Ask Rory, The Golf Fix, with host Devan Bonebrake; Lessons with a Champion Golfer; and Build a Better Game – all hosted by top instructors like Martin Hall, Chris Como and Michael Bannon, as well as golf fitness expert Don Saladino. Developed in partnership between global golf superstar Rory McIlroy and NBC Sports Next – the innovation and technology division of NBC Sports – a GolfPass+ membership is designed for today’s golfer and is the only digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and benefits, including monthly tee-time credits, waived convenience fees, tee-time cancellation protection, credit toward equipment purchases, and more. GolfPass is designed to help every type of golfer – from beginner to expert – play more and better golf. A GolfPass+ membership is available in North America at GolfPass.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland at GolfPass.co.uk, and in Australia at www.GolfPass.com.au. The GolfPass+ membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.

About NBC Sports Next

NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within Golf and Youth & Recreational Sports. Known for its sports technology product innovation, NBC Sports Next provides operations technology and services to more than 11,000 golf courses around the world, and equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans with more than 25 sports solution products, including GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; SportsEngine, an industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.

–NBC SPORTS NEXT–

‘HOME COURSE ADVANTAGE’ SEASON FINALE FEATURES LIFE-CHANGING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR LAUDERHILL, FLA., JUNIOR GOLFER AND MENTOR

August 1, 2023 By admin

GolfPass Series Chronicles Ongoing Struggles of Talented Junior Golfers From Underserved Communities Trying to Reach Their Full Potential and Realize Their Dreams

Season Finale of Home Course Advantage is Free to View

Preview Episode HERE

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 1, 2023) – Young teen Patrick Pinkney and his mentor, Paula Pearson-Tucker, founder of the Fore Life Inc. community service program at the Lauderhill Golf Course in south Florida, will see their golfing lives change in the season finale of Home Course Advantage, streaming free today exclusively on GolfPass.

One of the most promising young golfers in the state of Florida, Pinkney has played at Lauderhill Golf Course and been cared for by the Fore Life program since the age of 4. As one of the underserved communities in the Miami metropolitan area, Lauderhill often is referred to as “Slaughterhill” because of its crime and gun violence.

“Patrick has that ‘it,’ said Tucker. “And you have everyone around him that sees that, and our job is to keep him on the straight and narrow.”

Initiatives that create fair access to golf for young people are changing the landscape of the sport. However, the fairways can be much narrower for high-potential youngsters of limited financial means who dream of a college or professional playing career. Home Course Advantage showcases talented junior golfers, like Pinkney, and their families who must make ends meet before trying to meet their goals in golf, share their stories of resilience.

In the season finale, viewers will learn the stories of Pinkney and Pearson-Tucker. And, with the help of GolfNow and sponsors TaylorMade Golf, Under Armour and its Curry Brand, and Youth on Course, the two will be surprised on the show with gifts designed to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Home Course Advantage is hosted by Will Lowery, golf personality and co-host of Beyond the Fairway, a popular NBC Sports podcast that goes beyond scores and highlights to explore golf culture from a different clubhouse.

About NBC Sports Next

‘SCHOOL OF GOLF’ MARKS 400TH EPISODE, BECOMES LONGEST-RUNNING NBC SPORTS’ INSTRUCTION SERIES EVER

July 31, 2023 By admin

Co-Hosts Martin Hall and Blair O’Neal Have Been Helping Golfers Improve Their Games for More Than a Decade

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 31, 2023) – After more than a decade of providing golfers with top-notch golf instruction, School of Golf today celebrates its 400^th episode, a record-breaking milestone celebrating the longest-running NBC Sports-produced instruction series. The episode is streaming exclusively on GolfPass via its website, app and connected devices.

When Martin Hall was introduced in 2011 as the winner of GOLF Channel’s nationwide instructor search and the host of the new, weekly instruction series – School of Golf – he didn’t realize the series would produce more episodes than any other series on the network over a span of 13 years. On June 30, NBC Sports Next’s GolfPass became the exclusive home of all new School of Golf episodes.

“What a pleasure and privilege it has been to film 400 shows of School of Golf,” Hall said. “Teaching golf has been my passion for many years and through this platform and with incredible help from Blair O’Neal, I’ve been given the chance to help millions of golfers all around the world.”

The milestone episode will feature Hall and co-host Blair O’Neal building new tips and drills as they recall some of the best instruction and visited some of golf’s most famous venues over the course of 400 School of Golf episodes. By focusing on engaging the viewer while presenting golf drills and technical direction, School of Golf’s more approachable format has proven its popularity among golfers looking for guidance to improve their golf games. The show also utilizes social media for viewer questions, which are answered by Hall and O’Neal during every episode.

“Rather than watching the pros to build a better game, which was a very popular teaching method back then, we wanted this series to see our viewers as students and focus on making them better one lesson at a time – like going back to school,” said Kevin Schultz, Senior Director of Lifestyle Content for GolfPass and producer of School of Golf. “And for viewers of the show, Martin has been like a favorite teacher, very likeable, not condescending in the least, and willing to have a little fun along the way. And they’ve kept coming back.”

O’Neal is a two-time NCAA Long Drive Champion, played professional golf on various tours and was the champion of Big Break Prince Edward Island, the 11^th season of the popular Big Break reality series on GOLF Channel.

“Martin is an absolute professional and I’ve been so honored to work alongside him for the majority of this journey,” O’Neal said. “We have so much fun creating this show and I have so much respect for him as a person and a golf instructor. I’m looking forward to many more episodes!”

About NBC Sports Next

NBC SPORTS NEXT AND KEMPERSPORTS EXTEND GOLF TEE-TIME DISTRIBUTION AND TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT

July 11, 2023 By admin

Multi-Year Partnership Will Provide KemperSports-Managed Golf Courses with a Variety of Tools to Increase Exposure and Generate Revenue

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 11, 2023) – NBC Sports Next and KemperSports today announced an extension of their decade-long partnership, which will continue to provide KemperSports golf courses with NBC Sports Next technology tools and enhanced support to help create efficiencies, drive revenue and to showcase applicable KemperSports-managed golf courses within the GolfNow and TeeOff tee-time marketplaces.

The new agreement continues NBC Sports Next’s long-term relationship with KemperSports as a key technology partner. In addition to tee-time distribution, the agreement provides KemperSports courses the ability to leverage a suite of services, including best-in-class, Golf365 Premier tee sheet and point-of-sale technology, as well as utilization of the payment processing tools, which seamlessly integrates online, phone and in-person payments with a golf course’s point-of-sale system.

“We are excited to extend our strong relationship with NBC Sports Next,” said KemperSports Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Jeff Osborn. “As we continue to focus on growing the game and providing a welcoming home for new golfers, it is critical that technology helps us facilitate these connections. NBC Sports Next’s proven suite of technology, combined with the dedicated service they provide our courses, ensures our team members can spend more time engaging our guests and less time thinking about their tee sheets.”

An industry innovator for more than 40 years, KemperSports is a trusted leader in golf course management. Since 2013, NBC Sports Next distribution and technology has been implemented at select KemperSports-managed courses across the country, as part of their proven personalized approach.

“We’re honored to be continuing our relationship with one of our largest and longest-tenured multi-course partners,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior Vice President, GolfNow. “Our continued collaboration with a great company like KemperSports is a testament to how our technology and services can increase efficiencies and productivity for their golf courses, as well as enhance the golfing experience for their customers.”

About NBC Sports Next

About KemperSports

KemperSports is a leading sports, entertainment and hospitality company that delivers operational excellence in property and experience management. Headquartered in Chicago with regional offices throughout the U.S., KemperSports manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues, and destination resorts nationwide. It has more golf properties named among the top 100 U.S. public and resort courses as rated by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek than any other management company. For more information about KemperSports, visit www.kempersports.com.

Join the KemperSports social media conversation at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

RORY McILROY TAKES FUN BREAK WITH SPORTS AND COMEDY INTERNET SENSATION DUDE PERFECT TO COMPETE IN CHALLENGE SERIES, STREAMING MONDAY, JULY 10, EXCLUSIVELY ON GOLFPASS

July 6, 2023 By admin

Watch teaser video from RORY + DUDE PERFECT: Rory + Dude Perfect teaser video.

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 6, 2023) – Golf global superstar Rory McIlroy takes a quick break from tour life to join the global phenomenon known as Dude Perfect for a two-part winner-takes-all challenge, streaming July 10, exclusively on GolfPass, via its website, app and connected devices. Part one of RORY + DUDE PERFECT seems a lock for Rory when the golf clubs come out, but any perceived advantage will be short-lived during the finale’s All Sports glass-break challenge, when anything can happen.

With 36 professional wins to his name, including four major championships, Rory McIlroy has become one of professional golf’s most familiar and revered personalities. The five former college roommates – and now sports and comedy group – that comprise Dude Perfect have built a following of tens of millions with their trick-shot videos and comedic challenges.

–NBC SPORTS NEXT–

NEW EPISODES OF THE LONG-RUNNING ‘SCHOOL OF GOLF’ INSTRUCTION SERIES MOVING FROM GOLF CHANNEL TO GOLFPASS

July 6, 2023 By admin

Hosted by Martin Hall and Blair O’Neal, New Episodes of School of Golf Available July 3 to Stream On-Demand, Exclusively on GolfPass

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 30, 2023) – NBC Sports Next’s GolfPass is now the exclusive home of all new episodes of School of Golf, the popular instruction series hosted by Martin Hall and Blair O’Neal.

After 13 years as a weekly series on GOLF Channel, GolfPass will begin its exclusive run of new episodes on July 3 via the GolfPass website, app and on connected devices, when Hall and O’Neal teach the biggest keys to adding more distance to the golf swing. As one of the longest-tenured video instruction series, School of Golf presents golf drills and technical direction in an engaging and approachable fashion. The show also utilizes social media for viewer questions, which are answered by Hall and O’Neal during every episode.

A golf professional for more than 40 years, Hall has received numerous awards for his incredible instruction and dedication to the game of golf, which includes the 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year. He has taught players of all levels, including tour players and major champions, and is a frequent speaker at golf conventions and other industry gatherings around the country and in various parts of the world. O’Neal is a two-time NCAA Long Drive Champion, played professional golf on various tours and was the champion of Big Break Prince Edward Island, the 11^th season of the popular Big Break reality series on GOLF Channel.

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About NBC Sports Next

GOLFPASS PUBLISHES ‘TOP 100 WALKING COURSES,’ RANKING BEST GOLF COURSES TO EXPERIENCE ON FOOT IN THE U.S.

July 6, 2023 By admin

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 5, 2023) – For those who believe golf is better played on two feet than four wheels, GolfPass has published its list of Top 100 Walking Courses, a first-of-its-kind ranking of the best public golf courses for walking in the United States.

“The post-pandemic golf boom has been good for the game in so many ways since 2020, but one of the most unique impacts has been that walking while playing has become more popular than ever,” said GolfPass Managing Editor Jason Scott Deegan. “In the early days of the pandemic, most golfers either couldn’t use carts or didn’t want to. Many rediscovered the joys of walking. They bought new push carts and carry bags and have kept on walking.”

The “Top 100 Walking Courses” features some of the best-known courses in the U.S., while also including some hidden gems. America’s famous golf destination, Pebble Beach Golf Links, tops the list at No. 1 and is followed in the top 25 by other famous layouts like the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina, Bethpage Black in New York, Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, Pasatiempo Golf Club in California, the Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, all the regulation-sized courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, the three Streamsong Resort courses in Florida, Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes in Wisconsin, and Chambers Bay in Washington state.

Two courses in the top 25 that fly somewhat under the national radar include Charleston Municipal Golf Course in South Carolina and Forest Dunes (The Loop) in Michigan. Other hidden gems in the remaining 75 courses, which are not ranked in any particular order, include Lake Placid Club (New York); Wild Horse (Nebraska); Warren Course at Notre Dame (Indiana); Manakiki Golf Course (Ohio); Keney Park Golf Course (Connecticut); Fort Myers Country Club (Florida); and Soule Park Golf Course (California).

According to data from the National Golf Foundation, golf participation has reached an all-time high, with the sport adding more than 1 million golfers in the last three years and also becoming more diverse.

“The pandemic also introduced the game to a new generation of younger golfers who are very health-conscious and would rather walk than ride in a cart,” said Deegan. “It makes sense to celebrate this new movement in the game with a list of top U.S. public and resort courses that cater to this new army of walking golfers.”

To compile the list, the GolfPass editorial team analyzed the walking data from thousands of GolfPass reviews of more than 3,000 courses and reached out to staffs at hundreds more facilities to find and select the best choices. When reviewing a course on GolfPass, golfers are asked “Did you walk?” and they also have the option of checking another box that notes, “This course/club is great for walkers.” All courses have to be accessible to the public, with other criteria considered including the quality of the golf course, how conducive it is to walking and how welcoming the facility is to walkers.

“If a course lacks interesting features along the route, it becomes more of a hike than a great golf experience,” Deegan said.

The list below represents the first 25 courses on the list of “Top 100 Walking Courses.” The balance of the list of 100 can be viewed here:

Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif.
Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.
Straits Course at Whistling Straits, Haven, Wisc.
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island, S.C.
Bandon Dunes at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.
Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst, N.C.
Pasatiempo Golf Club, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley, Nekoosa, Wisc.
Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, N.Y.
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, S.C.
Streamsong Blue, Bowling Green, Fla.
Sand Valley Golf Resort (Sand Valley), Nekoosa, Wisc.
Streamsong Red, Bowling Green, Fla.
Chambers Bay, University Place, Wash.
Pinehurst No. 4, Pinehurst, N.C.
Streamsong Black, Bowling Green, Fla.
Old Macdonald at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.
Erin Hills, Hartford, Wisc.
Torrey Pines Golf Course (South), La Jolla, Calif.
Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.
TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, Calif.
Bandon Trails at Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Ore.
Gamble Sands, Brewster, Wash.
Charleston Municipal Golf Course, Charleston, S.C.
Forest Dunes (The Loop), Roscommon, Mich.

Fun Facts: Top 100 Walking Courses

College courses include University of Georgia, Colgate University, Williams College, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame
Municipal courses include Schaumburg Golf Club (Illinois), Papago Golf Course (Arizona), Vail Golf Club (Colorado), Heron Lakes’ Great Blue Golf Course (Oregon), Griffith Park Golf Club’s Wilson Course (California), Coronado Golf Course (California), Haymaker Golf Club (Colorado), Arrowhead Golf Club (Illinois), Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point (New York), Montauk Downs State Park (New York), Bethpage Black and Bethpage Red (New York), Torrey Pines North and Torrey Pines South (California), TPC Harding Park (California), Chambers Bay (Washington state), Hominy Hill (New Jersey), George Wright (Massachusetts), Keney Park (Connecticut), Shennecossett (Connecticut), Triggs Memorial (Rhode Island), Jeffersonville Golf Club (Pennsylvania), Keller (Minnesota), Manakiki (Ohio), Sleepy Hollow (Ohio), Washington County (Wisconsin), Park West Palm (Florida), Fort Myers Country Club (Florida), Wilmington Municipal (North Carolina), Cobblestone (Georgia), Memorial Park (Texas), Brackenridge Park (Texas), Gus Wortham (Texas), Olympic Course at Gold Mountain (Washington state), Olivas Links (California), Corica Park’s South Course (California), Wailua (Hawaii)
Two courses where you can take junior caddies to carry your bag – CommonGround Golf Course (Colorado) and Cantigny Golf (Illinois)
Top tournaments have been held at Pebble Beach Golf Links – California (6 U.S. Opens, PGA TOUR); Pinehurst No. 2 – North Carolina (3 U.S. Opens); Bethpage Black – New York (2 U.S. Opens, 1 PGA Championship); TPC Harding Park – California (2020 PGA Championship, 2009 Presidents Cup); Torrey Pines South (2 U.S. Opens, PGA TOUR); Chambers Bay – Washington state (2015 U.S. Open); Straits Course at Whistling Straits – Wisconsin (3 PGA Championships, 2021 Ryder Cup); Erin Hills – Wisconsin (2017 U.S. Open); Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – South Carolina (2 PGA Championships, 1991 Ryder Cup); Harbour Town Golf Links – South Carolina (PGA TOUR); Seaview’s Bay Course – New Jersey (LPGA Tour); TPC Louisiana – Louisiana (PGA TOUR); THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass – Florida (THE PLAYERS Championship); Pine Needles – North Carolina (4 U.S. Women’s Opens); Sea Island’s Seaside Course – South Carolina (PGA TOUR); Fields Ranch East – Texas (2023 Senior PGA Championship); Warren Course at Notre Dame – Indiana (2019 U.S. Senior Open); Keller Golf Course – Minnesota (two PGA Championships); Memorial Park Golf Course – Texas (Houston Open on the PGA TOUR); Firestone Country Club’s South Course – Ohio (World Golf Championships), Brackenridge Park – Texas (original host of Texas Open); Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s Champions Course – California (Tournament of Champions, 2024 NCAA Championships)
New courses that are less than one month old include The Lido at Sand Valley (Wisconsin), Park West Palm (Florida), and Fields Ranch East and West at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort (Texas).

Created from more than 2 million golfer reviews, GolfPass lists provide unique perspectives within the game of golf. Other popular lists found at GolfPass include The Top 100 Under $100, The World’s Top 100 Golf Destinations, and The 50 Most Beautiful Courses in the World.

–NBC SPORTS NEXT–

NBC SPORTS NEXT PARTNERS WITH SOFTBALL CANADA AS THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY’S ‘OFFICIAL STREAMING & TECHNOLOGY PARTNER’

July 6, 2023 By admin

Softball Canada, Recognized as the Worldwide Leader in Amateur Softball, to Utilize SportsEngine’s Streaming Technology for High-Profile National Tournaments This Summer

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 6, 2023) – NBC Sports Next today launched a multi-year partnership with Softball Canada making SportsEngine, NBC Sports Next’s leading provider of youth sports-management technology, the “official streaming and technology partner” for the organization recognized as the worldwide leader in the sport of softball. Softball Canada’s five National Teams (Men and Women, U23 Men, U18 Men and U18 Women) are perennial medal threats in all international competitions.

During the first phase of its partnership, Canada’s National Governing Body for the sport will use SportsEngine’s video tools to stream the Canadian Championships, enhancing its members’ overall experience through live streaming, video on-demand, game highlights, and more. Softball Canada’s 13 Canadian Championship events represent an important, high-performance pathway and are the pinnacle of many athletes’ careers.

Men’s and Women’s Fast Pitch competition categories will range from U15 through Masters, and Slo-Pitch categories include Men’s and Women’s. Games will be available to stream and watch live online via the Softball Canada website, as well as a new video destination on SportsEngine.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Softball Canada now and into the future,” said Brett MacKinnon, SVP & General Manager, Youth & Recreational Sports, NBC Sports Next. “We share their passion for growing the game of softball across North America and the Canadian Championships are a perfect representation of that commitment. We can’t wait to see all the action.”

“Softball Canada is ecstatic to partner with NBC Sports Next to raise the profile and interest in our incredible sport in Canada and throughout the world,” said Gilles LeBlanc, Manager – Operations at Softball Canada. “NBC Sports Next has gone above and beyond to welcome us into their family and their various streaming and technology tools will be a major benefit to our members and softball fans around the world.”

Future elements of the partnership will include SportsEngine’s development of a digital network in early 2024 by SportsEngine from which Softball Canada can deliver valuable content to its more than 10,000 teams, 500 registered leagues, and more than 1,500 administrators, coaches and officials; and a membership platform to be available across the organization to manage team registration, player profiles, events, and payment processing.

More than 35,000 small and medium-sized youth sports organizations, tournaments, the USOPC and Governing Body community, professional sports leagues and thousands of municipalities use NBC Sports Next’s suite of solutions to drastically reduce the time they spend on administration and communication, allowing them to focus more time on developing their athletes.

About NBC Sports Next

About Softball Canada

The Canadian Amateur Softball Association, commonly known as Softball Canada, is a not-for-profit National Sport Organization based in Ottawa, Ontario founded in 1965. Softball Canada is administered by an eight-member Board of Directors elected by the country’s 12 Provincial and Territorial Associations and is supported by eight staff members working in the National Office. Softball Canada’s Coach and Umpire Development programs are recognized as worldwide leaders in the sport of softball, and all five of Canada’s National Teams (Men and Women, U23 Men, U18 Men and U18 Women) are perennial medal threats in all international competitions. With funding annually provided by Sport Canada, membership fees, sales and sponsorship, Softball Canada develops programming to target various segments of its membership, including the Canadian Championship, Timbits Softball, Canpitch and B5 programs.

–NBC SPORTS NEXT–

NBC SPORTS NEXT TIPS OFF PARTNERSHIP WITH NXTPRO SPORTS PRO16 BASKETBALL CIRCUIT, BECOMING THE ‘EXCLUSIVE STREAMING AND VIDEO PARTNER’

July 6, 2023 By admin

NBC Sports Next’s SportsEngine Video Platform Will Cover More Than 4,900 PRO16 Tournament Games This Year, Providing Streaming, On-Demand Video and Highlight Capabilities

Next Tournament Takes Place in Houston, Texas, July 6-9, During Live Period on NCAA Division 1 Men’s Recruiting Calendar

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 5, 2023) – NBC Sports Next, the technology unit of NBC Sports, has tipped off a new partnership with NXTPRO Sports, a development program and league that showcases elite youth basketball prospects to colleges of all levels. The new deal makes SportsEngine, NBC Sports Next’s leading provider of youth sports club, league and team management technology, the “exclusive streaming and video partner” of the PRO16 circuit.

With the video and streaming rights for the PRO16 circuit, SportsEngine will provide a variety of video services for each of the circuit’s 19 tournaments, totaling more than 4,900 games. The next tournament will take place July 6-9 in Houston, Texas, during a live period on the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball recruiting calendar. NXTPRO Sports will utilize SportsEngine’s best-in-class video technology to enhance their members’ overall experience through live streaming, video-on-demand, highlights, and more.

SportsEngine also will develop a new online viewing destination for the PRO16 circuit, which will offer:

Live video streaming via internet-connected devices
On-demand video streaming via internet-connected devices
Scoring graphics that display live and past game scores
Schedules for all tournaments and teams
Game highlights

“We’re excited to provide our powerful video capabilities inside SportsEngine to benefit the PRO16 basketball circuit, its athletes and fan communities, as well as the large base of youth basketball players across the U.S.,” said Brett MacKinnon, SVP & General Manager, Youth & Recreational Sports, NBC Sports Next. “The immersive, interactive and educational capabilities of SportsEngine will allow coaches, athletes and fans of the PRO16 circuit to dive into video content from any device.”

SportsEngine also will create a PRO16 tournament portal on its online video platform, which will offer video tools for athletes to create their own video highlight packages.

“We are excited to partner with NBC Sports Next, which is innovating in the industry at an extremely high level,” said Matt Reynolds, CEO, NXTPRO Sports. “The quality of the video is the best I have ever seen, which provides a perfect platform for our players to be recruited at a higher level”

SportsEngine continues to lead youth basketball as a provider of club and team management technology, partnering with such organizations as National Junior Basketball, National Wheelchair Basketball, M14 Hoops, and youth franchise programs. Its TourneyMachine tournament technology is used by the country’s largest youth basketball tournament operators, and the National Center for Safety Initiatives – and NBC Sports Next company – is the leading background screening provider for U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee-sanctioned National Governing Bodies, including USA Basketball’s National Team.

About NBC Sports Next

About NXTPRO Sports

NXTPRO Sports is a basketball scouting and events company spanning North America, comprised of the PRO16 and NXT leagues. The NXT league is represented by more than 400 teams competing across the U.S. and Canada, while the PRO16 league’s 16 programs compete in the U.S. only. Both leagues meet in July at the PRO16 Finals, where the top 16 teams from NXT join the 16 programs from PRO16 in a 32-team bracket-style competition. NXTPRO Sports also provides streaming and video tools for each league, with coverage also including the high school basketball season at state levels.

–NBC SPORTS NEXT–

NBC SPORTS NEXT ENTERS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS GOLF COURSES

June 27, 2023 By admin

Select Omni Golf Resort Portfolio Courses Will Post Tee Times on Both GolfNow and TeeOff; Omni’s Private Club Members Will Have Access to GolfPass Instruction and Entertainment Video

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 27, 2023) – NBC Sports Next, the technology unit of NBC Sports, and Omni Hotels & Resorts today announced a new partnership that will showcase Omni Golf Resorts across NBC Sports Next’s family of golf brands, including tee-time listings for select Omni Resort Portfolio courses throughout the U.S. on its online booking platforms, GolfNow and TeeOff.

The multi-year partnership represents the first tee-time distribution agreement for the hotel chain, the official hotel of the PGA TOUR and the PGA of America. Golfers now will be able to search for and book a round of their choice at Omni Golf Resorts directly online or via mobile on GolfNow and TeeOff, NBC Sports Next’s leading providers of online tee times worldwide. Several of the notable courses include Omni Amelia Island Resort on Florida’s east coast, Omni Tucson National Resort, the two championship courses at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Florida, and the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Calif., to name a few.

“We are excited to feature Omni Hotels & Resorts’ family of golf courses, providing them exposure to the millions of golfers who book on GolfNow and TeeOff every day,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior Vice President, GolfNow. “Whether at home or traveling, golfers across the U.S. and worldwide now have the convenience of finding and booking tee times that best suit their tastes at a collection of some of the best resort courses in the industry.”

Additionally, members of Omni’s private golf clubs, including Omni Las Costa Resort & Spa in California and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Texas, will receive complementary access to premium video instruction and entertainment offered by GolfPass, golf’s ultimate digital membership.

“Offering tee times through NBC Sports Next is yet another example of our elevated commitment to showcasing our exceptional nationwide collection of golf courses and resorts,” says Spencer Cody, Corporate Director of Club & Golf Operations, Omni Hotels & Resorts. “With courses designers ranging from ‘Golden Age’ greats like Donald Ross, William Flynn and A. W. Tillinghast to modern masters like Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Fazio, Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, there’s something for all golfers in our portfolio.”

NBC Sports Next’s GolfNow and TeeOff are innovative technology providers that create seamless ways for golfers and golf courses to better connect. Comprising the largest online tee-time marketplace in the world, these brands offer millions of registered golfers a variety of ways to stay connected to their favorite courses and the ability to easily book tee times online and via mobile devices any time of day. NBC Sports Next also provides technology, support and marketing services to more than 11,000 golf courses in more than 40 countries around the world.

Along with being the official hotel partner of the PGA TOUR and PGA of America, Omni Hotels & Resorts is embedded in the game of golf. They recently announced rising PGA TOUR star and 2022 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, Cameron Young, to be its new brand ambassador. On May 2, Omni opened the most anticipated golf travel destination in the country at Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Furthermore, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is undergoing a multifaceted renovation by renowned architect Gil Hanse prior to hosting the 2024 NCAA Championships, which will be televised by GOLF Channel.

About NBC Sports Next

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 26 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

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