IBM becomes official sponsorship partner of
MLSE for cybersecurity and technology consulting services,
transforming the digital experience for fans of Toronto Raptors and
Toronto Maple Leafs
IBM to expand Sport & STEM for youth
cross-Canada
TORONTO, Oct. 18,
2022 /CNW/ -- Today, IBM Canada announced a new
multi-year agreement with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
(MLSE) making IBM (NYSE: IBM) the official sponsorship partner for
cybersecurity and technology consulting services for the Toronto
Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. This builds upon IBM's 20+ year
legacy of partnership with MLSE.
The agreement covers a wide scope of partnership activities,
including:
- Building on cybersecurity enablers: MLSE is one of
only a few sports and entertainment companies in North America with a dedicated cybersecurity
practice. Since 2020, IBM has been providing MLSE threat detection
and response technologies such as QRadar SIEM that help
deliver secure and trustworthy digital experiences to fans.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs and Raptors have access to
IBM's X-Force Red offensive security team.
- Supporting digital transformation for the Maple Leafs and
Raptors: IBM and MLSE are collaborating in the creation and
innovation of next generation digital fan experiences through
technology consulting services across the Maple Leafs, Raptors and
Scotiabank Arena.
- Building Digital Skills in STEM: IBM will have title
partnership of a Sport + STEM Foundation within MLSE LaunchPad,
which provides technology and resources that encourage youth
to explore ways to integrate digital sports skills and STEM into
their lives.
- Enhancing Raptors Uprising: As the AI and cloud partner
for Raptors Uprising, MLSE's official NBA 2K League team, IBM will continue to use its
technology and services to power the team's roster decisions and
integrate IBM services into draft and player selection and movement
decisions.
"This growth in partnership between IBM Canada and MLSE goes
beyond just technology or sport," said Dave
McCann, president of IBM Canada. "It also demonstrates IBM's
unique and collaborative commitment to our partners, clients and
employees to foster an ecosystem of innovation. Bringing together
the strengths of our organization with the Maple Leafs and Raptors
for cybersecurity and digital technology services, as well as other
valuable components ranging from STEM programming to fan
engagement, makes this partnership truly one-of-a-kind."
"Our partnership with IBM has evolved over the years and is now
helping us deliver on our ongoing commitment to enhancing the fan
experience at Scotiabank Arena," said Jordan Vader, Senior Vice President, Global
Partnerships at MLSE. "We will continue to create unique
opportunities for the next generation of fans, including a STEM
program at MLSE LaunchPad, and the partnership will also allow us
to engage IBM employees and their network through one-of-kind
experiences at our venue."
"IBM's best-in-class capabilities will help us strengthen our
cybersecurity practices in a rapidly changing world," said Humza
Teherany, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at MLSE. "IBM's
renowned reputation for unparalleled digital innovations makes them
a valued partner in our own journey to enhancing the digital fan
experience for Maple Leafs and Raptors fans."
IBM, together with the Maple Leafs and Raptors, will also
introduce a new IBM Basketball League program, enhanced fan
engagement, opportunities with Raptors Uprising, and the naming of
IBM as the official and exclusive partner of the Raptors Practice
Court at Scotiabank Arena. IBM will also have extensive branding
presence on warm-up shooting jerseys, signage, logo placement and
more, plus participation opportunities for employees and
clients.
This partnership with the Maple Leafs and Raptors is one more
example of IBM's ability to co-create with sports and entertainment
organizations around the world to deliver the best in technology
solutions and digital fan experiences.
For more information about IBM Canada, visit:
www.ibm.com/ca-en
For more information about MLSE, visit: www.MLSE.com
Media Contacts:
Lorraine
Baldwin, IBM Canada: lorraine@ca.ibm.com
SOURCE IBM Canada