Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System getting the call up from the minors, to be tested in Spring Training

As the connection between technology and pro sports continues to align, Major League Baseball is set to test the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System during Spring Training this year. The system, referred to as ABS, will be implemented as a trial run in 2025.  The goal of ABS is to make ball-strike calls more accurate, giving players the opportunity to challenge certain calls made by the umpire. This marks a major step forward from last season when ABS was tested in Minor League Baseball.  Now the big question will be if ABS can work at the Major League level.  

During its pilot program in the minors, ABS saw plenty of use, with calls being challenged 51 percent of the time.  Each team in Spring Training will be given two challenges per game. The challenge is only lost if the original umpire's call is confirmed by the review.

The process for challenging a call is simple - only the batter, pitcher, or catcher can initiate the challenge. To do so, the player will signal the umpire by tipping their cap or helmet.  While this is a significant step in reducing human error in calling balls and strikes, MLB has also made it clear that there will be no additional challenges allowed during extra innings, keeping the flow of the game intact. In each challenge, a Hawk-Eye camera system will be used to review the call, providing a bird's-eye view of the pitch.

The introduction of ABS represents a major leap into the future of baseball, offering transparency and accuracy in one of the most debated aspects of the game. Similar to how technology changed close calls in tennis, and quickly eliminated linesman within the game, ABS now allows baseball to see a similar step forward within the digital age.  With the implementation of this new technology, there’s hope that this system will create more accurate calls while also keeping the human element of the game intact.

Tubi's Big Game Move: FOX Sports Streams Super Bowl LIX for Free on Network's Tubi Platform

FOX Sports is taking its Super Bowl coverage to new heights by streaming the Big Game on Tubi for the first time ever. For Super Bowl LIX, fans can enjoy the entire FOX broadcast, including the Super Bowl LIX Pregame Show and the first-ever Tubi Red Carpet, all in 4K. This marks a big step forward in FOX’s strategy to promote Tubi, their free streaming platform, to reach wider audiences while showcasing exclusive sports content. Fans will have the opportunity to experience the Super Bowl live, free of charge, across devices, and without the need for authentication.

The latter is extremely important as not requiring authentication will allow anyone, even those without a cable subscription, to watch the Super Bowl this year.  All fans have to do to watch the game on Tubi this year is sign up for a free Tubi account, and the game will be available to stream live in the Tubi app.  No credit card will be required to sign up, lifting a barrier which should increase the amount of fans that can stream the game.

This move continues FOX Sports' trend of using Tubi to expand the reach of its most prestigious sports events. Previously, FOX Sports has used the platform to offer on-demand access to World Cup matches, providing viewers with additional flexibility to catch up on the games after they aired. By streaming high-profile sports events like the Super Bowl on Tubi, FOX is strengthening the platform's position as a key player in the streaming wars, positioning it as a go-to destination for sports fans seeking top-tier content without the subscription fee.

The Tubi Red Carpet, hosted by Olivia Culpo, will offer a live pre-show that delves into the celebrity culture, fashion, and excitement that surround the event. The coverage will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, and fans can also catch up on Super Bowl history, iconic halftime shows, and more through watching the free live NFL Channel on Tubi. With the addition of their free streaming app Tubi, FOX is once again demonstrating its ability to adapt to shifting viewing habits, providing fans with more ways to enjoy the most-watched sports event of the year.

As Pro Bowl enters a new era, NFL scores with key successes from overnight ratings

The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Skills Show has proved to be a success for the league, drawing over one million viewers and an increase in a key demographic.

The event held Thursday in Orlando, delivered a decent performance in the ratings department, drawing 1.1 million viewers on ESPN. Thursday’s broadcast matched the 2024 Pro Bowl Skills Competition as the most-watched Pro Bowl event since 2018. The event took place at the 60,219-seat Camping World Stadium, steaming on both ESPN+ and NFL+. The increased viewership is a sign of the growing popularity of the event, as the NFL continues to innovate and engage fans with new forms of entertainment leading up to the Super Bowl.

One of the standout metrics from this year’s broadcast was a 7% increase in viewership from the previous year, particularly in the key 18-34 age demographic. This age group, crucial for advertisers and the NFL's long-term fan engagement, demonstrated significant interest in the revamped Pro Bowl experience. The shift from a traditional football game to a skill-based competition has resonated with younger fans, who are likely drawn to the fast-paced, interactive format and the opportunity to see NFL stars compete in a more casual, yet highly entertaining setting.

The Pro Bowl Skills Show saw its ratings peak at 1.4 million viewers between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m.  This peak in viewership solidifies the NFL’s strategy to build the Pro Bowl into a more compelling, yearly attraction for fans.

Looking ahead, the Pro Bowl Games will conclude with Day #2 on Sunday, February 2, at 3 p.m. The event will air across multiple platforms, including ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, Disney XD, and NFL+, ensuring the event reaches a wide and diverse audience. With the success of the Skills Show, the NFL is on the right track in transforming the Pro Bowl into a multi-platform experience that keeps fans engaged while attracting advertisers back to the two-day event.

2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic: Over 8,000 fans in attendance for this year’s Classic

Sunrise, Florida - The 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic took place today at the FLA Live Arena, featuring a doubleheader of exciting college basketball action. While the event saw a total attendance of just over 8,000 fans across both games, it’s clear that the energy in the building more than made up for any empty seats. Though the crowd didn’t reach the sell-out mark, those in attendance were vocal, engaged, and provided an electric atmosphere for the teams on the court.

A unique part of this showcase is the different fan bases who make their way from different states with passionate supporters showing up not just for the local teams, but for the overall experience of the event.  The afternoon was a great way for basketball fans in Broward County to get a look at four major Division 1 basketball schools all in one place - a venue that will only be hosting two basketball games all year. 

Despite the less-than-capacity turnout, the crowd’s enthusiasm was a testament to the growing popularity of the event in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. In a market where basketball is constantly competing for attention against other major sports, the Orange Bowl Basketballl Classic stands out as a key fixture on the college hoops calendar.  The atmosphere inside the Amerant Bank Arena for this year’s showcase proved that the passion for basketball in South Florida remains strong and vibrant.

2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic: ESPN TV audience to get a double-header of basketball action

Sunrise, Florida - The 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is getting exceptional live television coverage, with both games broadcasted across the ESPN family of networks. This highly anticipated event is taking place at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, home of the NHL's Florida Panthers. As South Florida's premier one-day NCAA basketball showcase, the Orange Bowl Classic brings together four top-tier NCAA Division 1 programs for a thrilling afternoon of basketball action.

The event will feature two exciting matchups. The first game at 2:00 PM will saw the UCF Knights square off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The seven matchup which began at 4:30 PM has Florida State taking on Tulane in a showcase of four major Division 1 schools. Both games are broadcast live, with UCF vs. Tulsa available on ESPNU and Florida State vs. Tulane airing on the ACC Network, ensuring that basketball fans across the country can tune in and enjoy the high-level competition.

In addition to the traditional television broadcasts, the games will also be available for streaming on the ESPN App and ESPN.com. This offers fans the flexibility to watch live from virtually anywhere, as long as they have a subscription to the relevant ESPN networks. With the convenience of digital streaming and wide-reaching television coverage, the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic ensures that fans worldwide will stay connected to this exciting event.

With top-tier television broadcasts and widespread accessibility through digital streaming, the 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is set to captivate basketball fans across the ESPN audience. The event stands as a highlight of South Florida's sports calendar, offering a first-class showcase for basketball fans across the nation.

2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic: Showcase brings top-tier college basketball to Broward County for 2024 event

Sunrise, Florida - The 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is one of the most unique college basketball events of the season in South Florida, showcasing the region's growing prominence in the world of college basketball. Held annually as a part of the broader Orange Bowl festivities, this event brings together top-tier men’s college teams for an exciting day of basketball in Sunrise. While Miami has long been associated with football, the inclusion of basketball in the Orange Bowl series of events emphasizes the area's expanding role as a hub for collegiate sports. The game’s timing, right in the midst of the college basketball season, makes it an essential stop for teams aiming to build momentum ahead of their conference schedules.

For South Florida, the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic is much more than just a one-off event. It has become a key fixture in the local sports calendar, drawing thousands of basketball fans and tourists to the region each December. With South Florida’s diverse population and growing sports culture, the event is an excellent opportunity for college programs to tap into new recruiting grounds. Broward County, in particular, benefits greatly from hosting the event, as it allows the region to showcase its world-class facilities, vibrant fanbase, and its status as a global sports destination. The Classic's appeal extends beyond just the teams involved - local businesses, hotels, and restaurants all thrive on the influx of visitors, making it an important economic driver for the region.

The Orange Bowl Basketball Classic also holds special significance when tied to the larger Orange Bowl football game. Traditionally, both events occur around the same time, creating a dynamic sports weekend that unites college football and basketball fans. This alignment not only boosts the profile of both events but also creates a shared experience that brings together supporters of different sports. The synergy between the football and basketball events enhances the overall Orange Bowl brand, making it a multi-sport celebration that South Florida can take pride in. For basketball, this connection with the iconic football game helps elevate its stature and visibility during a time when college sports fans are highly engaged.

As the 2024 edition of the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic nears an end with the second of two games, its growing significance for college basketball in South Florida cannot be overstated. The event offers an invaluable platform for teams to compete in front of a passionate and diverse crowd, while also serving as a critical piece in the broader celebration of college athletics in the region. By continuing to build on its success, the Classic is poised to further solidify South Florida’s place as a premier destination for college sports, while strengthening the ties between basketball and the storied legacy of the Orange Bowl football game.

Coverage of the 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

SportsBizAmerica.com is excited to announce our coverage of the 2024 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic.  We will be reporting on-site from the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, which is home to the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers.  

The game is a significant basketball game in South Florida as it is one of the only one-day NCAA showcase events in South Florida, and is the only basketball game being played at Amerant Bank Arena in 2024.  The game will feature four NCAA Division 1 basketball programs facing off in a one-day showcase: UCF will face Tulsa in the first game at 2:00, while Florida State will take on Tulane in the second of two games at 4:30.

Both games will be televised live, with UCF vs. Tulsa live on ESPNU, and Florida St. vs. Tulane will be live on the ACC Network.  Both games can also be streamed live on the ESPN App and ESPN.com with a TV subscription to each network.  

Check back on SportsBizAmerica.com for our coverage from Sunrise, Florida, marking the very first time we will be covering an event on-site from the venue since the site's launch in 2020.  Coverage will focus on all things sports business from the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, covering the off-court side of this unique NCAA showcase event.