Major League Baseball players have reached an agreement allowing a tech company to develop AI versions of themselves for interacting with fans. The deal, announced on Thursday, involves creating avatars that mimic players' voices and interests. Genies, the company behind the project, will offer paid interactions through these digital characters.
In a move blending sports and technology, Major League Baseball players' association has partnered with Genies to produce AI avatars of prominent athletes. Announced on Thursday, the agreement falls under Genies MLB Players Inc., the business arm of the players' union. These avatars are designed to engage fans in conversations, reflecting each player's unique voice and personal interests.
The initiative aims to enhance fan experiences by making stars more accessible digitally. Genies has the rights to monetize the avatars through charges for chats, in-app activities, and virtual goods. However, details on which players will feature initially remain undisclosed by the company.
This development highlights the growing integration of artificial intelligence in sports entertainment, potentially opening new revenue streams for athletes beyond the field. While specifics on rollout timelines are not yet available, the deal underscores MLB's embrace of innovative tech to connect with its audience.
