THIS WEEK: NBCU ACADEMY PRESENTS “NEXT LEVEL SUMMIT: GAMECHANGERS – REIMAGINING SPORTS MEDIA”
Free Virtual Event to Feature Athletes, Anchors & Sports Analysts, Click Here to Register May 5, 2025 – NBCU Academy, the award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech, will present Next Level Summit: Gamechangers – Reimagining Sports Media live on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11am ET. The free virtual event will […]
Free Virtual Event to Feature Athletes, Anchors & Sports Analysts, Click Here to Register
May 5, 2025 – NBCU Academy, the award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech, will present Next Level Summit: Gamechangers – Reimagining Sports Media live on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11am ET.
The free virtual event will look ahead to the future of sports media, explore trends and introduce students and industry professionals to the biggest the innovators shaping the industry, including several of those preparing to produce some of the biggest upcoming moments in sports, from Super Bowl LX and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Wednesday’s event marks NBCU Academy’s 7th Next Level Summit, with previous topics ranging from the future of AI to the power of masterful storytelling.
Next Level Summit: Gamechangers – Reimagining Sports Media will feature:
Seismic Shift: The New Playbook for Sports Media
Today’s sports fans aren’t just watching—they’re streaming, sharing, swiping, and demanding more. As fan behaviors evolve and tech unlocks new frontiers, media companies must balance bold innovation with smart strategy— while also adapting to growing fan bases whose expectations around language, culture and content access are reshaping how sports are delivered. With an unrivaled portfolio of sports across the networks of NBCUniversal, including the NFL, FIFA World Cup, Kentucky Derby, Olympics, Premier League, PGA TOUR and the NBA coming in 2026, top leaders from the company share how they’re future-proofing sports coverage—from investing in emerging platforms to rethinking rights, partnerships, and audience engagement. This panel explores the strategic bets driving the next era of sports media.
Steve Kornacki: From the Big Board to the Scoreboard
You know him as the political numbers wizard in khakis. But did you know NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki has a serious passion for sports? Whether it’s election night or race day at the Kentucky Derby, Kornacki’s love for stats and storytelling makes him the ultimate breakdown artist. Watch as he explains how he brings real-time sports data to life.
All Eyes On Us: Producing the World’s Biggest Sporting Events
What does it take to bring the world’s biggest sports moments to life—live drama, flawless execution, and unforgettable endings? Go behind the scenes of events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Paralympics, and Super Bowl with the pros who make it happen. From cutting-edge tech to high-pressure storytelling, this panel dives into the logistics, innovation, teamwork and split-second decisions that shape how fans experience the action in a world where culture, language and access influence how fans connect to sports. If you’ve ever been glued to the screen wondering how did they pull that off?—this is your all-access pass.
Power Players: Women Driving a New Sports Era
Women’s sports are growing at a meteoric pace and commanding global attention like never before—bringing record-breaking viewership, increased investment, and long-overdue recognition. Our fireside chat will examine how the rapid growth of women’s sports is creating transformative opportunities across the industry, from the field of play to the media landscape.
Career Expo: Getting in the Game – How to Land a Job in Sports Media
Curious about what it really takes to break into the world of sports media? Join recruiters from NBCUniversal Sports and Telemundo Deportes for an honest, practical conversation about building a career in this competitive industry. Learn what networks are looking for in emerging talent, how to stand out in your applications, and which skills and experiences matter most in today’s evolving media landscape. Bring your questions—this interactive session is designed to set you up for success.
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NBCU Academy is a free, award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and tech, partnering with 45 academic institutions across the US.
NBCU Academy is part of Project UP — Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet, create digital opportunity and help build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.
Human Fall Flat publisher Curve Games has been acquired by Nazara Technologies for £21.6m
UK-based publisher Curve Games has been acquired by Nazara Technologies. The gaming-focused tech company, which is headquartered in Mumbai, India, has acquired Curve for INR 248 Cr ($29 million / £21.6 million). It’s the second notable UK game developer acquired by the company, following the acquisition of Fusebox Games last year for a similar price. […]
UK-based publisher Curve Games has been acquired by Nazara Technologies.
The gaming-focused tech company, which is headquartered in Mumbai, India, has acquired Curve for INR 248 Cr ($29 million / £21.6 million).
It’s the second notable UK game developer acquired by the company, following the acquisition of Fusebox Games last year for a similar price.
Nazara also owns early learning app Kiddopia and the sports and eSports media organisation Sportskeeda.
Curve Games, formerly known as Curve Divital, was founded 20 years ago and focuses on publishing indie games. Notable releases by the publisher include Human Fall Flat, Dungeons of Hinterberg, The Ascent, Lawn Moving Simulator, Lone Survivor and Stealth Inc.
Curve will remain in its London office following the acquisition, with all leadership team and staff remaining. Its in-house development studios (Runner Duck in Brighton and IronOak Games in Vancouver) are also included as part of the acquisition.
“This deal is a perfect fit,” said Curve Games executive chairman Stuart Dinsey in a statement. “We’re joining a group that lives and breathes games and tech, including mobile, where we’ve barely scratched the surface.
“With Nazara, we will build on our strengths across console and PC, staying true to our indie spirit. It’s still about great games, great studios, and great players. Our next chapter starts here.”
Nazara CEO Nitish Mittersain added: “Curve’s proven publishing expertise and strong track record with indie studios make them a perfect fit for Nazara’s vision in premium gaming. This acquisition not only brings valuable IP, global market access, and a highly experienced team into our fold – it also reflects our broader strategy of doubling down on core gaming.
“We’re committed to scaling high-quality game IPs, investing in new development, and supporting passionate indie creators as we build a global gaming powerhouse from India.”
Dubai’s next big summer wearable? Smart sunglasses that think, protect, and perform
1. Could smart glasses speed up vision problems? “These smart glasses shouldn’t impact presbyopia or nearsightedness any faster than traditional eyewear, as the technologies don’t alter the core visual function,” Dr Soman says, offering reassurance to users concerned about long-term effects. 2. Blue light protection: A must for the screen age? With screen time on […]
“These smart glasses shouldn’t impact presbyopia or nearsightedness any faster than traditional eyewear, as the technologies don’t alter the core visual function,” Dr Soman says, offering reassurance to users concerned about long-term effects.
2. Blue light protection: A must for the screen age?
With screen time on the rise, the blue light filter in smart glasses is a hot topic. “These filters, whether in smart or traditional glasses, help reduce eye strain from prolonged screen use,” she notes. However, she adds, “More research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits of blue light protection.”
3. Can tech glasses cause eye strain?
“Prolonged use of smart glasses can lead to eye fatigue, burning, or twitching—symptoms similar to those caused by dry eyes from screen time,” Dr Soman cautions. Her advice? “A professional ophthalmic evaluation is key before and during use.”
4. The UV and digital dilemma
While smart sunglasses offer UV protection – a must in sunny regions like Dubai – Dr Soman points out that digital displays could present new concerns. “The long-term effects of radiation from Wi-Fi, LEDs, and processing units need more research,” she says, stressing that the future of smart eyewear is still unfolding.
The verdict: Smart glasses may offer cutting-edge technology, but Dr Soman advises caution. “While their innovative features are undeniable, we’ll need more data to fully understand the health impacts over time.”
Fox Sports Bets Big On Indy 500 Debut With Tech And Celebrities
Fox Sports hopes high tech and celebrities will bring viewers to its debut broadcast of the … More Indianapolis 500. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Getty Images When the green flag drops May 25 to start the 109th Indianapolis 500, 33 cars and drivers will race toward a spot in history, but Fox Sports may […]
Fox Sports hopes high tech and celebrities will bring viewers to its debut broadcast of the … More Indianapolis 500. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Getty Images
When the green flag drops May 25 to start the 109th Indianapolis 500, 33 cars and drivers will race toward a spot in history, but Fox Sports may be the day’s biggest winner in a broadcast debut featuring more than 100 cameras, two drone teams, and an all-star crew.
Fox Sports, which this year assumed the IndyCar league’s broadcast mantle from NBC Universal in a $25 million annual deal, is seeking to reinvent how America sees the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. It is offering 60 hours of race coverage featuring drivers’ eye cams, 4K HDR production and celebrity broadcasters from across the network’s sports portfolio.
“There’s nothing more historic than the Brickyard, where you’re literally racing on the bricks of where they raced 100 years ago,” Michael Davies, Fox’s executive vice president of field and technical management and operations, said. “There are not too many opportunities in your career where you get to be a part of a startup on an iconic event like the Indianapolis 500. The whole company is really energized by this.”
Acquiring Indy
Fox Sports acquired the IndyCar broadcast rights in June 2024, giving the network two of the world’s biggest auto races: the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Daytona 500. NBC Universal held the IndyCar rights since 2009, and took over the Indianapolis 500 coverage in 2019 from longtime host ABC.
Under CEO Eric Shanks, Fox Sports has enhanced IndyCar coverage elements, and those changes have helped the series see increased viewership levels not seen since 2011.
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 will be the first broadcasted in 4k using high-level video production that creates a more immersive experience. Six yet-to-be-identified racers will offer viewers a first-person race experience through a tiny helmet camera showing what the driver sees.
The broadcast will also feature a heads-up display offering real-time data from the car cockpit, as seen on Formula One broadcasts.
“You take the cockpit view and mold the graphic on there, so it looks like a virtual dashboard,” Davies said. “You’re looking at it like a video game. You can see the speed and the RPMs, where they are on the track, the push to pass.”
Coverage will be further augmented by a pair of drone teams, including one that can chase the cars at nearly 90 mph and has been popular in NASCAR broadcasts.
“We want to show people how exciting it is to go to a race, how exciting it is to be a driver,” Davies said. “Everything we do serves the purpose of showing just how fast these cars go.
“If you’ve been to a race and you watch that on TV, there’s a big divide between what that looks like and what it feels like. We want to bridge that.”
60 Hours of Content
Among the promises Fox Sports made in its acquisition of IndyCar is to put most coverage on its flagship network, including qualifying, a two-hour pre-race show and post-race winner’s circle festivities. NBC Universal, by contrast, split the coverage between its network affiliates and its subscription streaming service Peacock.
The 60 hours of content may not be enough to contain the star power, with a lineup that includes former drivers Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick, alongside Fox Sports veterans Chris Myers and Erin Andrews. Football legend Tom Brady will do a lap around the track with NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson in the “Fastest Seat in Sports” ride, while Michael Strahan will drive the pace car and Rob Gronkowski will serve as grand marshal of the infield Snake Pit.
After 10 years with Formula One, Will Buxton will handle play-by-play for Fox Sports’ inaugural … More Indianapolis 500 broadcast. (Photo by Andreja Cencic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
On the call, the race team includes six former drivers with 50 Indianapolis 500 starts among them, including 2016 pole sitter James Hinchcliffe, who will share the broadcast booth with new play-by-play announcer Will Buxton.
Buxton, who signed a three-year deal this year to be the voice of the IndyCar Series, rose to prominence through his decade of Formula One coverage and as a prominent voice on the Netflix hit “Drive to Survive.” He sees the Fox-IndyCar partnership as a chance to tap into a growing global appetite for open-wheel racing.
Buxton said IndyCar is uniquely positioned as a driver’s competition—where talent matters more than engineering advantages—and racers like surprise pole-sitter Robert Shwartzman, defending Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden and current points leader Alex Palou are not guaranteed a podium.
“Everyone has a chance to win every weekend,” he said.
Those driver storylines will be a key part of Fox Sports’s coverage, thanks to feature storytelling led by award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi, attending his first Indianapolis 500.
“We are finding the balance between honoring and showcasing the history of this amazing event while getting people as close as we can to the present tense race for the competition and victory that will launch somebody into that history,” Rinaldi said. “If we strike that balance, that is success.”
Fox Sports’ Indianapolis 500 debut coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET, and the green flag drops at 12:45 p.m.
Texas Rangers Choose Comcast Technology Solutions For Regional Sports Network
DENVER, Colo.—Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers has chosen Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) to provide Managed Channel Origination for its team-controlled regional sports network, Rangers Sports Network (RSN). “Comcast Technology Solutions has been instrumental in supporting our vision to establish a more independent and efficient broadcast platform,” said Angie Swint, senior vice president of broadcast at […]
DENVER, Colo.—Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers has chosen Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) to provide Managed Channel Origination forits team-controlled regional sports network, Rangers Sports Network (RSN).
“Comcast Technology Solutions has been instrumental in supporting our vision to establish a more independent and efficient broadcast platform,” said Angie Swint, senior vice president of broadcast at the Texas Rangers. “Their expertise in managed services and comprehensive broadcast solutions enables us to focus on delivering an unparalleled experience for Rangers fans, while also providing us with more control over our distribution channels and future growth.”
Tech-Forward Luxury Yoga Studio Set to Open This Summer
Glo Yoga Studios Palo Alto, CA, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a groundbreaking move that blends luxury, wellness, and cutting-edge technology, a brand-new high-end yoga studio is set to open its doors in Malibu this summer. This isn’t just another yoga studio—it’s a wellness revolution. GLO Yoga Studios will combine serene, state-of-the-art design, infrared […]
In a groundbreaking move that blends luxury, wellness, and cutting-edge technology, a brand-new high-end yoga studio is set to open its doors in Malibu this summer. This isn’t just another yoga studio—it’s a wellness revolution. GLO Yoga Studios will combine serene, state-of-the-art design, infrared heat, premium amenities, thoughtful innovation, and your personal concierge with the power of artificial intelligence through an exclusive in-house system, YogaGPT.
Positioned in the heart of Malibu’s Trancas Country Market, a community deeply rooted in healing and rejuvenation—especially in the wake of recent wildfires—this studio aims to offer more than just movement. It will serve as a sanctuary for locals and visitors alike, providing a space where technology and tranquility merge.
“This is about more than yoga,” said Tarik Celebi, one of the founders. “It’s about building back community, offering a space for connection, and introducing an entirely new way to experience wellness.”
Inside the Experience
The studio features advanced infrared heat, immersive lighting, and acoustic tuning that aligns with bio-rhythmic yoga flows. Guests can practice with the Fusion Mat—expertly designed and manufactured by GLO Yoga Studios. This premium, PVC-free mat features a non-slip surface that absorbs sweat and delivers exceptional grip, offering high performance without compromising on sustainability.
While the practice remains the heart of the experience, GLO Yoga will also feature YogaGPT, a proprietary AI assistant designed to help guests navigate class offerings, schedules, and studio FAQs—ensuring every visit feels effortless and informed.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, every detail has been designed with intention—from the moment you step in, to the mat beneath your feet.
Community-First Vision
More than a wellness facility, the studio is being positioned as a hub for healing and reconnection. In light of the emotional and physical recovery the Malibu area has undergone following the recent wildfires, this project arrives as both timely and meaningful.
“We see this as a way to bring people together again—to restore, reset, and rebuild with intention,” said Celebi. “Wellness is evolving, and Malibu deserves to be at the forefront of that evolution.”
Looking Ahead
The studio is slated to open in summer 2025, with plans for exclusive pre-launch events, community activations, and local partnerships. Early interest is already building, with waitlists forming for founding memberships and immersive launch experiences.
