Polar

Polar to build apps for MLBPA, NFL Players

By Eric Fisher, Staff Writer

Published June 27, 2011

Toronto-based Polar Mobile has signed a pair of three-year deals with the MLB Players Association and NFL Players to develop a series of mobile products for the organizations.

In the agreements, Polar will create an array of applications for the iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Nokia platforms. Specific applications being developed include player-specific Twitter aggregations, player trackers, behind-the-scenes video and photo games.

The pacts extend a run of new sports-related business for the company that in recent months has included deals with the NHL Players’ Association, The Hockey News and Pro Football Weekly.

“We’re definitely seeing a great deal of traction coming our way,” said Kunal Gupta, Polar Mobile chief executive. “Sports is definitely an area where we’re seeing a great deal of interest and consumption.”

The MLBPA and NFL Players are each aiming to expand their digital product sales after many years of operating primarily around traditional hard and soft goods such as apparel and collectibles. The Polar-NFL Players work will proceed regardless of the status this summer of labor talks between the league and the NFL Players Association.

“This is a natural progression for us,” said Keith Gordon, NFL Players president. “The digital arena is an arena prime for us where we can showcase our players.”