Technology is changing how we play, watch, and enjoy sports. From helping athletes improve their performance to making fans feel closer to their favorite teams, new tools and gadgets are making a big difference.
Let’s take a look at multiple exciting ways where technology is enhancing sports, including performance analytics, fan engagement, smart stadiums, and others. Also include eSports, immersive training, cybersecurity, advanced streaming, and sustainability.
Performance Analytics
In the quest to enhance performance and improve decision-making, both coaches and athletes are eager to understand what actions lead to success during a game. Performance analytics tools play a vital role in this by measuring a wide range of data, highlighting areas that need improvement in sports strategy planning.
Video and motion analytics, for instance, provide statistics about the ball’s position, player movement and involvement, action timing, and outcomes.
Wearable technology, such as data-tracking wristbands, sensors embedded in equipment, and smart clothing, offers precise information about athletes’ actions, force, and accuracy. These tools can even predict injury risks, enabling evidence-based decisions before and during games.
One notable example is Stupa Analytics from India, which offers real-time performance analysis for table tennis. Their AI-based app analyzes match recordings to provide detailed reports on game patterns, shot placement, and consistency. This helps coaches track performance over time and refine their development strategies.
Similarly, Runeasi from Belgium has developed a smart belt for gait analysis, particularly useful for athletes with musculoskeletal conditions. The belt uses AI-based biomechanics to measure cumulative impact, peak impact rates, context, asymmetry, and dynamic stability. This real-time, personalized data enhances athlete performance and improves gait patterns.
Fan Engagement
Fans are crucial to the sports ecosystem, contributing through their presence at events and by purchasing merchandise.
Building strong relationships with fans is essential for maintaining loyalty. To boost fan engagement, clubs are leveraging various technologies such as blockchain for transparent communication, biometrics for identification, and AI-powered smart chatbots.
Immersive technology, like live event holograms, allows fans to interact with their favorite sports stars from anywhere in the world. This technology is also becoming popular in eSports, where startups create platforms to build communities, share highlights, and listen to fan feedback.
Liquiditeam from Germany supports sports clubs in building digital relationships with fans through their LT fan platform. This platform offers digital collectibles of favorite teams, enabling fans to engage through gamified interactions and earn tokens to participate in club activities.
In Australia, Scorz enhances in-venue fan engagement with reusable items that light up in team colors when a score is made. They also developed a Bluetooth-enabled cup for at-home fans, which syncs with the Scorz app to celebrate scores, enhancing the viewing experience both in-stadium and at home.
Smart Stadiums
Stadiums are the epicenter of the sports experience, but with changing fan preferences, many now prefer watching games on TV. To improve the in-stadium experience, sports tech startups are integrating technologies that provide additional features for attendees. AI-based crowd sentiment analysis tracks attendees’ emotions to gauge their level of enjoyment.
Drones are being used for cleaning and delivering snacks to seats, while IoT technology improves connectivity and bandwidth, allowing for quick check-ins, parking spot location, and seamless app usage.
Quintar from the US offers an AR data visualization platform that provides an immersive experience by visualizing player information, game stats, and ball trajectories. This allows fans to see the game from different angles, enhancing their in-stadium experience.
Wicket, also from the US, provides crowd management software that uses computer vision for touchless ticketing and entry through facial authentication. This technology reduces queues and manages crowd flow, ensuring a smooth and secure fan experience.
eSports
eSports is rapidly growing, driven by advances in next-generation technologies. Increased smartphone access has lowered barriers, making free-to-play games like PUBG Mobile hugely popular. Technologies like computer vision provide detailed insights into gamers’ decisions and tactics, while AI helps bookmakers create accurate odds, benefiting both bettors and the industry.
Dynasty from Singapore offers an eSports portal management platform that integrates gaming and media ecosystems. This platform provides a comprehensive solution for managing and monetizing gaming tournaments and leagues, while also offering AI-based coaching for player improvement.
Spanish startup Kaikoo develops an all-in-one eSports coaching platform for League of Legends. The platform includes guides, specific tasks, and progress tracking to help gamers improve their gameplay.
Immersive Training
To improve athlete performance and train for matches, coaches and players are adopting immersive training technologies. Virtual reality (VR) allows players to simulate realistic environments, enhancing coordination and providing performance data.
Austrian startup VR Motion Learning offers a VR tennis training platform that uses motion learning technology to provide feedback on player movements. It compares current performance with previous exercises or professional standards to optimize movement and stroke play.
StatusPRO from the US develops an extended reality (XR) football training platform tailored for the NFL. This platform uses real-time player data to simulate practice and game scenarios, helping players improve skills and tactics without physical impact.
Cybersecurity
As the sports industry grows, so does the threat of cyberattacks. Protecting fans’ and athletes’ data, as well as high-budget events, is crucial.
Sports organizers are focusing on cybersecurity by implementing protective technologies and training employees. Blockchain is used for purchase protection and data security, while email defense systems prevent phishing and viruses.
GamerSafer from the US provides identity management software for eSports player verification. It uses biometric technology to ensure age verification and prevent fake accounts, promoting a positive gaming experience.
Austrian startup B.A.M Ticketing offers an NFT event ticketing solution that eliminates black markets and scalper bots. Their blockchain-based system ensures fair, transparent, and tamper-proof ticketing, benefiting both event organizers and attendees.
Advanced Sports Streaming
Digitalization is revolutionizing sports broadcasting, with a focus on providing personalized experiences and maintaining high streaming speeds. 3D technologies and 4K resolution enhance stream quality, while over-the-top (OTT) platforms allow fans to watch on multiple devices.
Sizzle from the US improves live streams with AI-powered personalized highlights, working with platforms like Twitch and YouTube to enhance viewer experience.
Swiss startup GlobalM optimizes event organization with a software-defined video network that allows secure and reliable streaming, reducing latency and costs.
Sustainability
To reduce the environmental impact, startups are introducing sustainable innovations in sports. Recycling leftover food, reusing rainwater for irrigation, and switching to renewable energy are some of the measures being adopted. Eco-friendly sportswear made from sustainable materials is also gaining popularity among athletes.
Through these innovations, the sports tech industry is not only enhancing performance and engagement but also promoting sustainability, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and future generations.
Technology is transforming the sports world in many positive ways. It’s helping athletes perform better, making games more exciting for fans, and even protecting our environment. As we continue to see new advancements, the connection between sports and technology will only grow stronger, making the sports experience better for everyone involved.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
