From smart equipment and wearable tech to immersive environments for strategic training and the growth of women’s sports, these emerging digital technologies are transforming the sport industry. The digitization of sports can strengthen engagement, drive fans to stadiums and increase online viewership. In addition to boosting the fan experience, technology is also helping to boost athlete performance and prevent injuries.
Wearable sensors are enhancing the athlete experience by providing detailed insights into fitness, training and injury prevention. Devices like the Catapult Vector S7/T7 monitor movement and velocity, and provide real-time data to optimize training and prevent injury. Other products like Adidas’ 4DFWD running shoes and Wilson’s X Connected Basketball have embedded sensors that track shot arc, rotation, and shooting percentage to inform coaching. In the future, aggregation of biomechanical, physiological and general health metrics will lead to more personalized and predictive performance analytics that will allow coaches to better understand an athlete’s workload and recommend the optimal training strategy.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are revolutionizing the spectator experience by transporting fans into their favorite sports arenas or stadiums to feel like they are part of the action. These emerging technologies are creating new opportunities to engage fans with their favorite teams and players, attracting a younger, digitally-native audience.
In addition, digital innovations are transforming the stadium experience with intelligent infrastructure and security systems. Using IoT sensors, venues can manage lighting, HVAC and waste management based on real-time occupancy and environmental data. At entry points, facial recognition systems like Idemia’s MorphoWave Compact enable touchless scanning for fan identification and speedy ticketing.