Jets Become First NFL Team to Adopt Image-Streaming Technology
SPORTS
The Jets lead the NFL as the first team to publish official photography through SmartFrame, reshaping content protection and distribution.
The New York Jets have become the first National Football League team to publish official photography using SmartFrame's image-streaming technology. The agreement marks a shift in how professional sports organizations approach ownership and monetization of digital visual content.
The Jets adopted the SmartFrame Images platform to retain control over their intellectual property while creating new commercial opportunities through in-image advertising. Images captured at games and official team events will be published on smartframe.com and available for publishers to embed for free, with ownership and associated rights remaining fully with the team.
First NFL Deployment
The agreement represents SmartFrame Technologies' first deployment with an NFL team and its first with a United States professional sports franchise. The London-based company already works with sports organizations worldwide, including New Zealand Rugby, Six Nations Rugby, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and Premier League clubs Manchester City FC, Everton FC, and Brentford FC. The partnership was facilitated by Pliner & Co.
"We're always looking for innovative ways to enhance how we connect with our fans and partners," said Jeff Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Ventures at the New York Jets. "SmartFrame's technology gives us the tools to protect our images while unlocking new revenue streams from content we're already producing. We're excited to be working with the company on these objectives."
Streaming vs. Downloading
Unlike traditional static image delivery, SmartFrame's technology streams images directly to audiences on sports and news websites. This enables interactive features including full-screen viewing and proprietary Hyper Zoom technology designed to boost fan engagement. The system includes integrated captions and Content Credentials that verify an image's provenance and ownership.
By streaming rather than downloading images, the platform helps brands safeguard intellectual property by providing protection against image theft. The system delivers data and audience insights on how images are viewed and shared. The model is funded through high-impact, in-image advertising placements that compensate both the image owner and website publisher.
Strategic Asset Approach
Rob Sewell, CEO of SmartFrame Technologies, said the partnership highlights a shift in how professional sports organizations approach ownership and value in digital media.
"For decades, sports teams around the world have produced exceptional images, only to lose control of them once they appear online," said Sewell. "We're delighted to have the New York Jets as the first NFL team to adopt our technology for their official images, turning visual content into a strategic asset rather than a cost of doing business, and joining other leading sports organizations already enjoying the same benefits."
The platform addresses a longstanding challenge for sports organizations that invest heavily in photography but struggle to maintain control once images circulate online. Traditional image distribution typically requires either limiting access or accepting that images will be downloaded and redistributed without oversight or compensation.
Technology and Features
SmartFrame's image-streaming platform connects content owners with publishers, advertisers, and online audiences. Images are delivered in high quality with protection, clear provenance, and detailed analytics. The contextual advertising technology allows brands to engage audiences with in-image advertising and sponsorships tailored to viewer interests while remaining compliant with global privacy regulations.
In 2025, SmartFrame launched SmartFrame Images, described as the first platform to exclusively offer free, rights-cleared, embeddable editorial images. Publishers can embed Jets official photography for free while the team maintains ownership and control.
About the Organizations
Founded in 2015, SmartFrame Technologies redefines online image publishing through its secure image-streaming platform. The company connects sports brands and other content owners with publishers, advertisers, and online audiences.
The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans and served as a charter member of the American Football League. The team made history after the 1968 season by becoming the first AFL franchise to win a world championship, defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
The Jets play at MetLife Stadium and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. New York Jets official images will be published on SmartFrame Images at smartframe.com.