Microsoft renews Surface deal with NFL for another year

Under the deal, the NFL will continue to use Microsoft Surface tablets for referee video reviews through the end of the 2018/2019 season, SportsPro reports. Coaches and players will also continue to use Surface tablets to review footage during games.

The renewal comes just ahead of the expiration of the original 5-year deal, which was established in 2013. While that 2013 deal was valued at a reported $400 million, the price of the renewal hasn't been disclosed.

In a statement to SportsPro, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Yusuf Mehdi said:

We're excited to help the NFL change the game with Surface devices being used by players and coaches on the sidelines to make more informed decisions, referees using Surface for instant replay to enhance the speed of the game, and teams using Microsoft products in their business and football operations. We look forward to continuing the partnership next season.

While the Surface partnership hasn't been without controversy since it started its run, the NFL serves as a high-profile stage for Microsoft's hardware. It has also led to some interesting branding crossovers, first with special edition NFL Surface Type Covers, and later with custom NFL team designs for Xbox Wireless Controllers.