The CW Network Brings Shoppable TV to ACC Football in Innovative Partnership With Shopsense AI

Rhea-AI Summary

The CW Network and Shopsense AI have partnered to introduce shoppable TV technology to ACC college football broadcasts. Starting with the Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse game on Nov. 2, viewers will be able to purchase game-day essentials and team merchandise directly through their mobile devices using Shopsense's Commerce Operating System. The partnership will later expand to other live sports and programming across The CW Network. This initiative marks the first implementation of shoppable technology in college sports, aiming to enhance fan engagement and create new revenue opportunities while delivering an interactive viewing experience.

Positive

• First-mover advantage in implementing shoppable technology for college sports broadcasts
• Potential new revenue stream through e-commerce integration
• Partnership expansion planned across multiple programming categories
• Integration with CW's extensive sports portfolio of 500+ hours in 2025

Negative

• Initial rollout to single game broadcast
• Technology adoption and user acceptance risks

Insights

Market Research Analyst

This partnership between The CW Network and Shopsense AI represents an innovative but experimental approach to monetizing live sports content. While the technology is intriguing, its actual revenue impact remains speculative. The initial rollout for a single ACC football game suggests a cautious test phase rather than an immediate material business driver for Nexstar Media Group (NXST), The CW's parent company.

The broader context shows The CW expanding its sports portfolio to over 500 hours of programming in 2025, indicating a strategic shift in content strategy. However, this shoppable TV feature is unlikely to generate significant near-term revenue given The CW's relatively modest viewership compared to major sports broadcasters. The technology's success will depend heavily on user adoption rates and integration effectiveness.

Shopsense’s Commerce Operating System Empowers College Football Fans to Purchase Game-Day Gear and Other Items While Watching Live Sports

BURBANK, Calif. & REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The CW Network and Shopsense AI today announced they are teaming up to transform how fans experience ACC college football broadcasts. In a first for college sports, viewers of the Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse game at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 2 will be able to shop game-day essentials and team merchandise directly from their mobile devices with technology powered by Shopsense’s latest enterprise Commerce Operating System (Commerce OS). The partnership will kick off with ACC college football broadcasts and will expand to other live sports, scripted series, and unscripted programming across The CW Network. Whether viewers are engaging with game-day content on broadcast television or via social media, they'll be able to buy products seamlessly while enjoying their favorite programs.

“By bringing shoppable TV to The CW’s ACC college football broadcasts, we’re merging the excitement of live sports with cutting-edge technology that enhances fan experiences and creates dynamic, engaging brand opportunities,” said Laura Lamattina, Vice President, Creative Director Branded Entertainment at The CW Network.

Since launching in April 2024, Shopsense AI's enterprise platform has evolved into Commerce OS, a comprehensive operating system distinguishing itself with a full suite of TV Shopability and Consumer Activation tools. These activation tools work together to transform the way brands connect with consumers via the publisher’s content ecosystem, creating a dynamic, interactive, and revenue-driven shopping experience.

“College football has some of the most passionate and engaged fans in all of sports, and we’re excited to harness that energy with our game-changing shoppable TV technology,” said Glenn Fishback, CEO and Co-Founder of Shopsense AI. “Teaming with The CW to integrate real-time shopping into ACC football broadcasts is the first step in our ambitious programming partnership, giving fans the chance to support their teams in a whole new way, whether it’s purchasing fan merchandise, gear featured during the game, or supplies to create a winning tailgating experience. We believe this initiative will deepen fan engagement and create new revenue opportunities for brands while delivering a seamless, interactive experience that taps into the spirit of college sports.”

ACC football airs every Saturday this fall on The CW as a part of CW FOOTBALL SATURDAY, which also includes Pac-12 football games. The network is also home to NASCAR Xfinity Series racing, ACC men’s and women’s basketball, WWE NXT, and the Emmy Award-winning studio show “Inside the NFL.” The CW will carry more than 500 hours of premium sports programming in 2025.

About The CW Network

The CW is America’s fifth major broadcast network and reaches 100% of US television households. The CW delivers 15 hours of primetime entertainment programming per week in addition to over 300 hours of sports per year as the broadcast home to LIV Golf, ACC football and basketball games, Pac-12 football games, “Inside the NFL,” and WWE NXT and NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in Fall 2024. The fully ad-supported CW App, with more than 100 million downloads to date, is available for free to consumers on all major platforms and is home to the latest episodes and seasons of The CW’s primetime programming, live streaming of LIV Golf tournaments and a library of entertaining film and television content for on-demand viewing. The CW is 75%-owned by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), a leading diversified media company and largest CW affiliate group. For more information about The CW, please visit www.cwtv.com.

About Shopsense AI

Shopsense AI unlocks new revenues for media companies like linear and streaming TV platforms by making their original content instantly shoppable within their own e-commerce sites and mobile apps. The patent-pending, enterprise SaaS solution allows consumers to easily find and purchase AI-curated collections of clothing, home goods, sports gear and other products inspired by what they see on their favorite shows, movies, sports events and livestream broadcasts. Offering a low-lift, no-SDK integration, the Shopsense platform allows publishers to quickly activate second-screen shopping experiences that keep their viewers within their own content and commerce ecosystem, driving revenue, engagement and loyalty. Visit Shopsense.ai to learn more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241031968934/en/

For The CW Media:

Beth Feldman

917/797-8054

Beth.Feldman@cwtv.com

For Shopsense AI:

Michael McMullan

Berns Communications Group

mmcmullan@bcg-pr.com

Source: Shopsense AI

FAQ

When will The CW Network launch shoppable TV for ACC football?

The CW Network will launch shoppable TV during the Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse game at 12 p.m. ET on November 2.

What can viewers purchase through The CW's new shoppable TV feature?

Viewers can purchase game-day essentials, team merchandise, and fan gear directly through their mobile devices during the broadcast.

Will The CW expand shoppable TV to other programs?

Yes, The CW plans to expand the shoppable TV feature to other live sports, scripted series, and unscripted programming across the network.

What technology powers The CW's shoppable TV feature?

The shoppable TV feature is powered by Shopsense AI's Commerce Operating System (Commerce OS), which includes TV Shopability and Consumer Activation tools.