Scaling Vertical-Video Production in Sports and Beyond
NBC Sports Group and Peacock have been paving the way for vertical-video production in sports coverage throughout 2026. The shift to vertical video has been a hot topic in the media industry, but it presents challenges when it comes to producing high-quality content for mobile viewers.
According to John Jelley, SVP of product and user experience at NBCUniversal Media Group, vertical video is essential to Peacock’s mobile strategy. They have already rolled out unique streaming options like Rinkside Live for the Milano Cortina Olympics and Courtside Live for NBA games. Up next is Visión del Campo for Telemundo’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The production workflows for these vertical-video offerings rely on FOR-A/Nippon TV’s viztrick AiDi AI-based technology. This technology enables automatic 9:16 cropping with auto-tracking, providing real-time player tracking, face tagging, object recognition, and more without requiring an internet connection.
NBC Sports and Peacock have been on the lookout for automated 9:16 cropping solutions to streamline their production process. The integration of the AiDi system has allowed for faster turnaround with fewer resources. The NBC Sports production team has been able to create a variety of angles for fans to enjoy on mobile, enhancing the viewing experience.
For the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Peacock will offer Visión del Campo, providing fans with a vertically optimized view of the main game as part of a multi-angle mobile viewing experience for selected matches. This approach is designed to elevate the mobile viewing experience and engage fans in a unique way.
The development and deployment of these vertical-video offerings have been a collaborative effort between NBC Sports, Peacock, FOR-A, and Nippon TV. By combining cutting-edge technology with creative production workflows, NBC Sports and Peacock are setting new standards for live sports coverage on mobile devices.
As they continue to explore new formats and experiences for fans, NBC Sports and Peacock are committed to maintaining low latency, optimizing graphics for mobile viewing, and delivering fan-first content that sets them apart in the world of streaming entertainment. The future of sports coverage looks bright with innovative solutions like vertical video production.
