The editor of Downcodes learned that ESPN is developing an artificial intelligence-generated avatar FACTS for its Saturday college football program SEC Nation. FACTS will leverage data from ESPN Analytics, including the Football Power Index (FPI), player and team statistics, and match schedules, to promote sports analysis in a more educational and entertaining way. The avatar, described as a robotic version of former ESPN statistician Howie Schwab, was designed to test innovations and create a new dissemination channel for ESPN Analytics data, making it easier for fans to access information.
Image: ESPN
FACTS is designed as a bot version of former ESPN statistician Howie Schwab and is not intended to replace reporters or other talent. It leverages Nvidia’s ACE (Avatar Cloud Engine), Azure OpenAI integration, and ElevenLabs’ text-to-speech capabilities. At present, FACTS is still in the development stage, and the launch time has not yet been determined. ESPN also recently introduced generative AI to its website and launched game recaps written by AI, and plans to launch a standalone ESPN streaming channel in the fall of 2025.
ESPN's use of AI technology to improve user experience demonstrates its innovation and exploration in the field of sports reporting. The emergence of FACTS not only enriches the way sports programs are presented, but also brings a more convenient and interactive viewing experience to the audience. In the future, AI technology will play a greater role in the sports field and bring more surprises to the audience.