Digitalization is an unstoppable trend stretching through all industries. Sports and media have been in the middle of these changes for some time, primarily because of sports’ immense popularity and entertainment value.
Technologies shape how athletes train and perform and how fans consume sporting events. Here are five technologies that have the most influence on sport in 2022.
Artificial intelligence in the training, media, and betting industry
AI or machine learning algorithms made their way into the sporting industry. The main benefit of AI is using computer power to create analyses or conclusions similar to human counterparts by using advanced algorithms and machine learning.
For example, you can place motion, heartbeat, and a slew of other sensors on athletes, cameras, and other sensors on the field. AI can gather all that information and produce an instant analysis of performance, shortcomings, and things to improve. You can do that for an individual athlete or the whole team. It is an invaluable addition to training staff and personal athlete improvement.
Broadcasters can use AI to create more engaging content where an incredible amount of statistical data could be quickly converted into charts and other valuable additions to on-field action.
Statistical data is indispensable for sports predictions. In the US, the most popular sport for betting is football. Whether you’re a fan of college football or the NFL, you need to do your research before you begin your betting journey. If you don’t know where to start, you can check out Doc’s free college football picks and parlays for all college games. Seeking advice from the experts is your safest bet.
AI can also soak up vast amounts of data and create forecasts and predictions for upcoming events. Sportsbooks can utilize AI to create odds, and online sports betting in the US can benefit from more bookable events per match.
Social media interaction
Current athletes grew along with social media, and channels like Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter are where they express their opinions and share additional content. This frame creates more engagement and increases the sport’s and athlete’s popularity.
Fans can interact with celebrity athletes and participate on social media boards during the game broadcasts.
More help for referees
The NFL already has complex systems to determine each crucial play validity. For example, did the ball break the plane, was it a fumble, and a couple of other things. It is similar in other sports, and technology that helps referees will expand and become even more a part of the matches and broadcasts in soccer, football, and other sports.
Mobile streaming
With over 6 billion smartphone users globally, streaming sports events is already a thing. Now, with 5G networks becoming more available, leagues can improve their custom streaming services, and so can broadcasters. We can expect higher quality streams and more interactive content thanks to faster networks and high-performing mobile phones.
Esports and sports
Esports is a growing multi-billion dollar industry, and sports franchises embrace the competitive gaming trend. Most North-American teams already have eSports subsidiaries, and Europe isn’t lagging, with Manchester City being the latest big name with an eSports team.
Besides being a competition for itself, eSports drives engagement and is an excellent tool for attracting new fans, along with diverse social media channels. For example, sports teams don’t necessarily compete in sports games like Fifa or Madden. Instead, some have teams for Fortnite, League of Legends, and other popular games in the eSports arena.
