The sports technology ecosystem has never been more diverse, innovative or essential. Rather than being seen as a sideshow to the main event or a sunk cost that must be tolerated by executives, coaches and players, tech is an intrinsic part of sport and a powerful driver of commercial revenue and on-field performance. This transformation is fuelled by a new wave of vendors developing products, platforms and applications that solve sports-specific challenges and opportunities across everything from athletic performance, injury prevention and recruitment through to business operations, ecommerce and fan engagement.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming increasingly prevalent for spectators, as broadcasters and teams look to increase viewer engagement by providing immersive experiences. For example, fans can use AR to superimpose real-time stats and other information over the action on a live match.
Wearables and video analysis tools are increasingly accessible, a major trend that is likely to drive change across the sport as clubs at all levels gain access to high-level performance insights previously reserved for professional athletes. This allows them to train harder, mitigate the risk of injuries and develop strategies akin to elite teams.
Finally, stadiums are transforming into year-round hubs that deliver economic activity in the venue and surrounding “mixed-use” areas. They are investing in technologies like immersive LED displays, augmented and virtual reality experiences, advanced camera systems with unique broadcast angles, and real-time data analytics to power personalised content and offers.