IBM and Wimbledon launch innovative AI features to enhance fan experience

IBM, in collaboration with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, has announced a digital enhancement for Wimbledon 2024, aimed at transforming how tennis fans engage with The Championships. Leveraging IBM’s advanced AI and data platform, watsonx, the new ‘Catch Me Up’ feature will utilize match data to generate dynamic updates on players as they progress through the tournament.

Enhanced Digital Engagement Through AI

The ‘Catch Me Modern’ initiative is designed to deepen fan engagement by providing personalized player cards and AI-generated stories and analysis, accessible through wimbledon.com and the Wimbledon 2024 App. These player cards, tailored to user preferences, will offer both pre-match and post-match insights, including performance analyses and predictions.

AI-Driven Innovations for a Global Audience

Utilizing IBM’s Granite large language model (LLM), the feature is crafted to mimic Wimbledon’s editorial style, ensuring that fans receive content that is not only informative but also engaging. This AI-driven approach is set to revolutionize how fans interact with the tournament, providing more in-depth coverage and making it easier to follow the action, especially during simultaneous matches.

Broadening Coverage with Generative AI

In a significant expansion, Wimbledon will also employ generative AI to enhance coverage of a wider range of matches, including wheelchair events. This development is part of the redesigned digital match centre, IBM Slamtracker, which now includes bullet-point based match previews and reviews, offering fans concise and timely insights into every game.

Positive Reception and Future Outlook

Preliminary feedback from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the new AI-enhanced features. This initiative not only promises to enhance the viewer experience but also sets a new standard for the integration of technology in sports broadcasting.

With these advancements, IBM and Wimbledon are not only responding to the immediate needs of tennis enthusiasts but are also paving the way for future innovations that could redefine sports consumption globally. This year’s Wimbledon is set to offer an unprecedented digital experience, showcasing the potential of AI to enhance sporting events for fans around the world.