Microsoft, NFL announce wide-ranging partnership

Microsoft's new Xbox One will be the definitive console destination for NFL fans.

By Jon Benne@LordBenne May 21, 2013, 2:48pm EDT

While unveiling the Xbox One on Tuesday, Microsoft and the NFL have announced a comprehensive partnership that will give the new console exclusive access to interactive NFL content.

Microsoft has long strived to be the definitive destination for live sports on gaming consoles, having had the ESPN app on the Xbox 360. This agreement will broaden their scope, integrating products like Skype and SmartGlass to enhance the interactive experience. Microsoft will also be incorporating fantasy football, using the new Snap feature to let viewers access their fantasy teams while watching the live games at the same time.

Football fans won't be the only ones benefiting from this agreement. NFL coaches and players will have access to Microsoft's Surface tablets to improve on-field communication, play-calling and video review.

From the NFL's release on the partnership:

"When we started working with Roger Goodell and the team at the NFL we knew that we could create great new experiences that fans would love," said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "This partnership will redefine NFL experiences through exclusive and interactive content that you will find only on Xbox. For fans, the NFL on Xbox will provide the most complete way to enjoy live football by bringing the first fully-integrated fantasy football experience to the TV, exclusively through Xbox."

EA Sports will be releasing their next game alongside the console's launch next year. They released a video showing off the new Ignite Engine: