NFL and Cisco: A Partnership for Global Connectivity and Security
In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in sports, the National Football League (NFL) has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) to enhance its international operations. This collaboration marks a new chapter in the NFL’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge enterprise networking and cybersecurity solutions, ensuring that the league remains connected and secure as it expands its global footprint.
Expanding International Presence
The NFL’s international games have become a focal point for the league, with matchups scheduled in São Paulo, London, and Munich in 2024, followed by Madrid in 2025. To support this growing slate of games, the NFL has turned to Cisco, a trusted partner known for its industry-leading technology. This partnership builds on the same robust Cisco solutions that have been instrumental in the successful execution of major events like the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and NFL Kickoff.
A Comprehensive Networking and Cybersecurity Playbook
Over the years, the NFL and Cisco have collaborated to develop a comprehensive networking and cybersecurity playbook. This playbook is now being implemented across the NFL’s international operations, utilizing Cisco’s extensive portfolio of solutions. Key components include advanced switching for networking and a combination of on-premises hardware and cloud-based software from Cisco’s Security portfolio. Notable solutions such as Cisco Umbrella, Cisco XDR, Cisco Firepower, and Cisco Secure Malware Analytics are integral to this strategy.
The partnership ensures that the NFL can maintain high levels of security and operational efficiency, even in the face of evolving digital threats. Cisco’s world-class Customer Experience (CX) services team plays a crucial role in supporting the NFL, providing real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and deployment assistance.
Confidence in Technology
Gary Brantley, the Chief Information Officer at the NFL, emphasized the importance of Cisco’s technology in the league’s operations. "Cisco has been a trusted partner of the NFL for many years, providing the networking and cybersecurity technology that we rely on to connect and protect our biggest events, as well as our daily operations," he stated. As the NFL continues to expand its global presence, the league’s reliance on Cisco’s proven track record allows it to execute with confidence in dynamic environments.
Ensuring Security and Reliability
In the fast-paced world of international sports, the NFL requires a technological infrastructure that prioritizes simplicity, visibility, reliability, and protection. Cisco Secure Firewall is a key component, providing end-to-end visibility, simplified security management, and network segmentation across distributed and hybrid networks. Additionally, Cisco XDR enhances the league’s ability to investigate and remediate high-priority incidents with AI-driven speed and efficiency.
The effectiveness of Cisco’s solutions was demonstrated during Super Bowl LVIII, where the integrated security measures successfully blocked 39,000 security intelligence events and 354,000 connections to blacklisted areas, ensuring 100% network uptime. This level of security is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and its operations.
A Commitment to Excellence
Rob McQueen, Vice President of Global Sponsorships at Cisco, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, "The NFL International Games presents an enormous opportunity for the NFL, so we are proud to be the partner they trust to deliver the connectivity and security required to operate globally." In high-pressure environments, where failure is not an option, Cisco’s technology continues to deliver for the NFL, its teams, and its events.
Supporting Youth and Community Engagement
Cisco’s commitment to the NFL extends beyond technology. The company also sponsored the inaugural NFL Flag European Continental Series, showcasing young athletes from five European countries: Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Spain. These athletes had the opportunity to attend an NFL game and compete in a tournament, highlighting Cisco’s dedication to fostering community engagement and promoting the sport globally.
A Lasting Relationship
Today’s announcement reinforces the existing partnership between the NFL and Cisco, which has been in place since 2021. As the Official Enterprise Networking Partner and Official Cybersecurity Partner of the NFL, Cisco plays a vital role in connecting and protecting the league’s operations year-round. Cisco technology is foundational in every NFL stadium’s replay control room, ensuring seamless connectivity back to the Art McNally Gameday Central in New York. Furthermore, nearly all of the league’s official partners and two-thirds of NFL stadiums rely on Cisco technology, including prominent venues like Levi’s Stadium and SoFi Stadium, which hosted Super Bowl LX and LXI, respectively.
Conclusion
The partnership between the NFL and Cisco represents a significant advancement in the intersection of sports and technology. As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, the collaboration ensures that the league remains connected, secure, and poised for success on the global stage. With Cisco’s industry-leading solutions and expertise, the NFL is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that fans around the world can enjoy the excitement of American football without compromise.