Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Introduces The Wilson X Connected Football

CHICAGO, Aug. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Sporting Goods Co., the global leader in performance football and supplier of the official football of the National Football League (NFL), announced today the launch of its Wilson X Connected Football. The Wilson X Connected Football is a completely new football experience designed to bring professional football fans closer to the game than ever before so they too can enjoy the heart thumping, pure adrenaline moments of an NFL game, all while holding a real football in their hands.  The Wilson X Connected Football is now available for pre-order at www.wilsonfootball.com/x. The smart football launches nationwide on September 8.

"Our Wilson X Connected Football marries the best in digital technology with the top performing football in the world to create an immersive gaming experience for fans that was not possible before," said Bob Thurman, Vice President of Wilson Labs, the innovation hub at Wilson. "By embedding a state-of-the-art, undetectable sensor in a football that connects to a cool app on a fan's mobile device, every fan can become their favorite NFL team's quarterback and create their own virtual stadium anywhere, anytime they want to play."

The Wilson X Connected Football retails for $199.99. The ball is offered in both Official and Junior sizes. The football comes with a free wrist coach, similar to those used by NFL quarterbacks, which has been designed to hold a player's phone on their non-throwing arm, so there is no restriction in passing and enjoying the Wilson X Connected Football experience. The Wilson X Connected Football companion app is free and will be ready for download from the Apple Store and via Google Play on September 8.

ABOUT THE WILSON X CONNECTED FOOTBALL

Key to the Wilson X Connected Football is a tiny, undetectable sensor that is embedded in an actual Wilson football. The sensor, which connects via Bluetooth to the Wilson X Connected Football app on any mobile device, tracks a fan's throw distance, velocity, spiral efficiency, spin rate, and if the football was caught or dropped. Players also receive their very own quarterback ranking score.  

Once in the app, fans can create their own male or female NFL quarterback avatar, selecting from any of the League's 32 teams. Through five exciting game modes, including QB Warm Up, Elimination, Precision, Game Time and Final Drive, a rich audio experience, and a deep set of never before seen stats, fans will feel the rush of being their team's quarterback, and the mastermind behind those big game moments – all while the clock is counting, their opponents are plotting, and the fans are cheering.

At the end of each game or session, players have access to game and performance analytics. Further, Wilson X Connected Football players can see how they rank against other users around the globe or amongst their friends, share stats with family and friends via social media, unlock trophies, and challenge friendly rivals to face-offs for ultimate bragging rights. 

With the Wilson X Connected Football the stadium is always ready – whether at a tailgate, in the backyard, at the beach or in the park - and open for play. The football's sensor contains a low-power battery that has been engineered to last for more than 500 hours of connected play, or approximately 200,000 passes.

Wilson Labs began working in the connected football space several years ago as part of the Company's long-standing partnership with the NFL. The Wilson X Football is the second connected product from Wilson Labs that uses the latest technology and gamification to offer fans and athletes a fundamentally new sports experience. Wilson introduced the Wilson X Connected Basketball in September 2015.

To learn more about the Wilson X Connected Football, please visit www.wilsonfootball.com/x.

ABOUT WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.

Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, is one of the world's leading manufacturer of high performance sports equipment, apparel, bags, and accessories. The Company invents, designs and partners to create consumer-driven, best-in-class products that push sports equipment into new territories. In American football, Wilson is the preferred equipment partner of 37 high school state athletic association state championship programs. The Company serves as the Official Connected Football and Official Supplier of game footballs for the National Football League. Wilson also provides the Official Football of the College Football Playoff. Earlier this year, Wilson was recognized as one of the "Most Innovative Companies in Sports" by Fast Company. Please visit www.wilson.com for more information.

SOURCE Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

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