From increasing athlete training and fan engagement to enhancing stadium operations, sports technology trends are driving innovation across all aspects of the sport industry. In 2023, these trends range from AI-driven player and team analysis to a more personalized sports experience, as well as new fan engagement tools that boost ticket sales and loyalty programs.
Advanced materials science is revolutionizing sports apparel, footwear and gear to enhance agility, comfort, safety, and more. For example, a new fabric that absorbs energy and reduces vibrations during exercise can help athletes perform better during workouts. Meanwhile, a new helmet designed to reduce the impact of concussions is set to transform how athletes play and compete.
Advances in artificial intelligence are also changing the way athletes and coaches prepare for games by automating video analysis and optimizing training regimes. AI-assisted swing mechanics track the movement of a ball and bat in real time, helping players fine-tune their strategy for optimal performance. Meanwhile, AI-driven scouting and recruitment solutions find future talent with incredible accuracy, allowing recruiters to see how potential players would fit in with existing teammates and play styles.
Stadiums are using smart technology to optimize capacity utilization and ensure safety and security. For example, a new platform lets fans use real-time texting to request seat upgrades without an app, while another sports tech startup uses AI to analyze purchase probability indexes to connect fans for a shared journey to the match day, similar to car sharing. And, in terms of security, biometrics are getting an upgrade with facial recognition enabling touchless entry for pre-registered fans at a number of stadiums.