NFL Strengthens Data Security with NetApp Partnership

The National Football League (NFL) now faces data challenges on a scale unmatched by any other sporting organisation. 

With every game generating billions of data points — covering player tracking, high-definition video and multi-platform fan engagement — the need for a robust and responsive data strategy is no longer optional.

Each season, the league processes petabytes of information while dealing with growing cybersecurity risks and tightening regulatory demands. 

However, legacy technologies and siloed data repositories remain obstacles to real-time analytics, efficiency and security. Instead of enabling innovation, outdated systems risk becoming barriers to progress.

To support its expanding technological footprint, the NFL appoints NetApp as its Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure partner. ​​​​​​​

This global agreement is focused on creating integrated, scalable and secure data systems to serve both internal operations and external fan experiences.

The initiative marks a wider effort by the NFL to shift away from fragmented storage models in favour of centralised, intelligent solutions that allow quicker insights and innovation. "The global partnership between the NFL and NetApp represents a shared commitment to leveraging intelligent data to drive transformative solutions for the league," says Renie Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at the NFL.

Anderson adds: "By combining our expertise with NetApp’s industry-leading intelligent data infrastructure, we can unlock new efficiencies that accelerate innovation within our game."

Backing international growth with data expertise

With more than 218 million fans in the United States and growing audiences in international markets, the NFL continues its global expansion across territories including Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia. 

The latest agreement will see NetApp embedded in this global rollout.

NetApp will take part in all 2025 NFL International Games, serving as the presenting sponsor for both the NFL London Games and the first regular season match to be held in Madrid. This gives the company a direct role in some of the league’s highest-profile international fixtures.

The league's choice of NetApp reflects confidence in the company’s ability to manage enterprise-scale data operations securely. Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer at the NFL, highlights how NetApp’s systems already support league objectives.

"Working with NetApp has helped us serve football fans worldwide by streamlining our technology operations and enabling us to be better custodians of our sport," says Gary. 

"We strive to innovate and excel in everything we do and work with partners that share those values. Over the years we have worked together, NetApp has earned our trust that they can meet those high standards."

Securing NFL operations through AI-driven protection

Data security remains at the core of this expanded partnership. The NFL plans to deploy NetApp technology across its infrastructure, using features that include NetApp ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection with artificial intelligence and NetApp cyber vault solutions.

These tools are designed to identify suspicious activity and support fast data recovery, reducing the risk of prolonged downtime or data loss. 

In an environment where game footage, performance data and fan interactions must be preserved in real time, this layer of security is critical.

The adoption of AI-powered cybersecurity features allows the NFL to monitor threats without manual intervention and maintain continuity across global operations. 

It also supports compliance with evolving data regulations across different jurisdictions.

Cesar Cernuda, President at NetApp, sees the partnership as an opportunity to support both operational efficiency and fan engagement. "The NFL has been a long-standing customer of NetApp, and it is gratifying to see their interest in expanding our relationship," says Cernuda.

He concludes: "By helping the NFL build an intelligent data infrastructure, we are elevating the sport for fans of football everywhere. Bringing intelligence to the league’s data storage allows them to modernise their infrastructure and gives them the tools they need to agilely adapt to the future."