Generative AI Avatar “FACTS” Announced at 4th Annual ESPN Edge Conference
FACTS is a new AI integration currently in testing with SEC Nation on SEC Network
NEW YORK – At the 4th Annual ESPN Edge Conference at The Seaport at Pier 17 on Thursday, Kevin Lopes, ESPN’s Vice President of Business Development & Innovation, announced “FACTS,” a Generative AI Avatar developed at the ESPN Edge Innovation Center.
FACTS is still in the research and development period with SEC Nation, which has been testing this innovation. Integration timing is still being discussed.
In its testing phase with SEC Nation, FACTS is being trialed for pre-game discussions, promoting education and fun around sports analytics.
Front Row caught up with Baron Miller, coordinating producer, SEC Network/ESPN, to tell us more about FACTS.
What primary functions will FACTS serve?
[FACTS will] provide data and insights, from ESPN Analytics, in a compelling new way to help foster engagement and educate fans on complex sports analytics and provide an opportunity to target new audiences.
Where does the data for FACTS come from?
FACTS integrates ESPN Analytics data, including the Football Power Index (FPI), player and team statistics, and schedules.
What tech platform was FACTS created on?
FACTS is built on NVIDIA Omniverse, using its ACE microservices, and integrates with Azure OpenAI for language processing and ElevenLabs for text-to-speech.
Is FACTS intended to replace journalists/on-air talent?
Absolutely not. FACTS is designed to test innovations out in the market and create an outlet for ESPN Analytics’ data to be accessible to fans in an engaging and enjoyable segment. It complements our journalists and on-air talent, providing additional insights.
