Zoom, the popular video conferencing platform, has signed a major partnership deal with Major League Baseball (MLB), becoming its Official Unified Communications Platform. As part of the agreement, Zoom Contact Center and its platform technology will be used for some game and broadcast elements, including the MLB Replay Review. This will mark the first time a league broadcast 'look-in' from the Zoom Replay Operations Center will be introduced, giving fans unparalleled transparency and enhanced communication between front office staff, judges, and league officials.
In a statement, MLB Chief Operations & Strategy Officer Chris Marinak said, “We are always looking for innovative ways to leverage best-in-class technology to advance the MLB experience and deliver more to our fans. Partnering with Zoom, a category leader that reinvented how we connect, was a natural next step for us. We are excited to integrate Zoom Contact Center and other Zoom platform technology into our gameday operations and continue to modernise experiences in a secure, reliable, and innovative way.”
One of the most significant enhancements that Zoom will bring to MLB is transforming Replay Reviews. Historically, league retests relied on different technology and voice-only communication with on-pitch referees, cutting fans out of the decision-making process.
Starting with the 2023 season, the longest-serving crew of the four referee crews, the Crew Chief, will connect to the Zoom Replay Operations Center for each replay. This will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network and Apple TV+. Fans will be able to see the Replay Operations Center in action during replays, and hear the Senior Rules Analyst discuss replays with the broadcast team. MLB’s goal at this new facility is to create a more transparent and engaging judging process.
The Zoom Platform will also assist in streamlining communications, and it is being used to securely transmit sensitive information on day one of one of MLB’s most high-press high-profile events, the 2023 MLB Draft. Additionally, Zoom integration across the broader league will encourage collaboration as its all-in-one collaboration platform will integrate with multiple MLB clubs, platforms and broadcasters.
Many MLB teams will be able to use Zoom Phone to stay connected with colleagues and customers, and Zoom Contact Center to provide fans with a fast, accurate and highly personalized customer experience.
Finally, MLB Headquarters will deploy 'Zoom Meetings, Zoom Rooms, Zoom Phones, and Zoom Webinars' to connect, collaborate and communicate. With this partnership, Zoom has cemented its position as a leading provider of unified communications platforms for large enterprises.
Eric Yuan, Founder and CEO of Zoom, said “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Major League Baseball as their Official Unified Communications Platform. The scale and complexity of MLB operations make it a perfect use case for Zoom, and we’re proud to support the MLB as they deliver engaging and innovative experiences for fans across the world.”