Google has announced a commitment to sponsor and bring its innovative technology to Team USA and NBCUniversal. The idea is to tell athletes' stories through its technology such as Search, Maps and Gemini, as well as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging.
The partnership with Team USA and NBCUniversal spotlights “Google features in NBCUniversal’s Olympic and Paralympic coverage across broadcast, online and social,” Marvin Chow, vice president of marketing at Google, wrote in a post on Thursday.
The agreement names the Alphabet company the Official Search AI Partner of Team USA, and marks the first time Google has entered into a partnership that represents sports teams in international competition.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, believes the partnership will inspire millions and amplify the incredible efforts of Team USA as they compete on the world stage.
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Earlier this week, Google strengthened its alliances by once again partnering with the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), and adding the National Women's Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA), and the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) to the roaster.
The partnership with Team USA and NBCU will bring Paris Games athletes' stories and competitions to viewers in ways that will allow them to search and explore the extensive coverage and nuances of the games.
The technology behind the agreement spans from search to AI to 3D. For example, Comedian, actress, and NBC’s “chief superfan commentator,” Leslie Jones will use Gemini to help her learn more about sports or Paris as she reports on events.
Explain the Games is supported by Google Search AI Overviews, Google's latest artificial intelligence platform. NBCU's production team and commentators will use the technology during daytime and prime-time coverage across all of its Olympic linear networks and Peacock. NBCU commentators will demonstrate how AI Overviews in Google Search can help viewers.
Google Maps Platform’s Photorealistic 3D Tiles, which offers 3D views of locations worldwide during NBCU’s broadcast. It will provide views of iconic Olympic venues in Paris, like Versailles, Roland Garros and the Aquatics Centre.
Through this partnership, five Olympians and Paralympians will be featured in social videos and late-night promotions as they explore the host city based on their individual interests, supported by Google Lens, Circle to Search, Immersive View in Google Maps and Gemini, highlighting their AI-powered features.
A variety of networks will provide coverage. NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26, beginning at Noon ET.
Telemundo will offer Spanish-language coverage. The NBC broadcast network and streaming service Peacock will be the company's primary platforms for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.