In a move that could revolutionize basketball analysis, FTN Network has announced the introduction of a comprehensive NBA data analytics platform for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This new offering will provide customers with access to 19 distinct data points, covering a wide range of metrics from fundamental offensive and defensive sets to advanced analytics.
The launch of this NBA-focused data service comes at a time when FTN Network is experiencing significant growth, with total subscription revenue increasing by 16 percent in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the previous year. This expansion into NBA analytics builds upon FTN's established success in NFL data and their proprietary DVOA/DYAR metrics.
What sets FTN's NBA data apart is its emphasis on defensive impact, an area often underrepresented in traditional statistics. With recent NBA MVP awards going to centers like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, FTN's focus on defensive metrics is particularly timely. The platform will offer insights into ball screen coverages, post-defense, off-ball defensive actions, contested shot data, and contested rebound data, providing a more nuanced understanding of player contributions beyond basic box score statistics.
Frank Brank, Chief Data Officer at FTN, emphasized the company's goal to drive innovation in sports analytics. "We want to revolutionize the way individuals analyze and engage with the sport of basketball," Brank stated. "Our objective with the charting database is to drive innovation for sports analytics." This approach aims to offer users insights comparable to those of a defensive scout, including detailed information on how teams defend against specific offensive formations and the effectiveness of various defensive strategies.
The implications of this new data platform extend beyond professional analysis. For fantasy sports enthusiasts and sports bettors, access to such detailed metrics could provide a significant edge in decision-making. Moreover, casual fans may find their viewing experience enhanced by a deeper understanding of the game's intricacies.
FTN's data collection will cover a wide range of aspects, including possession type, play type, shot type, defensive alignment, after time-out situations, short clock situations, and various screen and post-play details. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic view of game dynamics, offering users unprecedented insight into team and player performance.
Perry Gershon, CEO of FTN, highlighted the significance of this launch, stating, "It allows users to go beyond the box score in this new era of the game, making it a truly innovative tool in the sports data industry." This sentiment underscores the potential for FTN's NBA data to become a game-changer in how basketball is analyzed and understood.
The introduction of this NBA data platform aligns with broader trends in sports analytics, where advanced metrics are increasingly valued by teams, media, and fans alike. As the sports betting industry continues to grow, particularly in the United States, tools that provide detailed, context-rich data are likely to be in high demand.
For the media industry, FTN's new offering could provide a wealth of material for more in-depth analysis and storytelling. Journalists and broadcasters may find themselves equipped with new ways to explain game outcomes and player performances, potentially enriching the narrative around NBA games and seasons.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the impact of FTN's data platform will be closely watched by industry observers. If successful, it could set a new standard for sports analytics, influencing how basketball is analyzed, discussed, and even played at the highest levels.
