It’s no secret that technological innovations are transforming the world as we know it. No matter the industry or sector, with each passing year, there are more and more improvements and developments taking place all around us.
The same is true in the professional sports environment, as major tech advances continue to change the fan experience and affect players and their management staff’s proceedings for the better. So, as a new calendar year full of opportunity is quickly approaching, what are some of the trends that we are most likely to see dominate the sports space? In this article, we discuss a few important ones more in-depth.
Wearable Technology
First up is a tech buzzword you have probably heard in some form or another by now: wearable technology. Although it is already a few years old, the influence of wearable tech has not slowed down since it was first brought out into the mainstream. Nowadays, wearables are being used at all levels of athletic organizations. For example, in the NFL they have been implemented to help players track their speed and distance. This results in staff being better able to assess individual player and team performance. Furthermore, in the MLB, baseball athletes use wearables to monitor their heart rate while playing as a further preventive measure against unwanted fatigue.
All the data recorded in these devices is stored automatically in a system that can be looked back on for further analysis, giving coaches the information they need to stay on top of all their players and their productive output. Additionally, wearables come into play during recovery as useful tools in the event that an injury does occur. Not to mention that, because they are small and portable, the technology can be conveniently transported from one practice field or stadium to another with ease.
Nowadays, if an industry is not adapting to emerging technologies, it is destined to fall behind in both revenue and customer engagement numbers
Online Sports Betting
Some technologies are transforming how players play the game, and others are revolutionizing how fans experience it. The growth of virtual sportsbooks throughout the world wide web is one of the most talked-about trends in sports right now, and it isn’t hard to see why. A world that once required supporters to travel sometimes long distances to place a bet at a physical sportsbook has now been replaced by a one-stop shop for all things wagering, thanks to the internet. Modern-day sports fans have the ability to access platforms remotely from the comfort of their own homes, participating in everything from live, in-game betting to reading top picks from expert pundits in the industry. The U.S. market, in particular, has seen massive growth in the availability of these sites regionally, with more states presenting legislation that hopes to approve online and mobile wagering in their area.
As this happens, providers are using opportunities for free bets to market their services to new and existing customers, staying one step ahead of the competition. The leading odds comparison platform and betting site OddsChecker is helping people see these promotional offerings more clearly, splitting them by operator and bonus amount so potential users can find what they are looking for quickly and conveniently. The tech-savvy quality of betting sites like these is only expected to rise, as this sector is poised to become a multi-billion-dollar machine in the future. One thing’s for certain—if a sports fan can interact with their favorite players or teams with just a few taps on their mobile or tablet screen, they are much less likely to opt for in-person betting.
5G-Equipped Stadiums
5G networks are impacting business operations everywhere, bringing people closer to the digital experiences they want to have no matter their geographic location. The technology, which is over 10x faster than its predecessor 4G, has also made its way into the sports industry in huge ways, namely with the influx of 5G-equipped stadiums. These allow fans to stay connected at all points in the entertainment spectacle. And speaking of live betting, 5G networks also allow mobile wagering inside a stadium to be carried out with unwanted lags and delays, as seamlessly as possible. 5G also gives on-field screens the ability to function with ultra-high-definition features, ensuring that even those fans sitting in nosebleed seats can enjoy all the action.
In America, some of the newest sports venues that accommodate for 5G are home of NFL franchises. For example, New England Patriots home field, Gillette Stadium, the Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, and the most massive of them all, the Rams and Chargers field at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Overall, 5G-equipped stadiums deliver immersive, fun-filled live game experiences that supporters are eager to repeat.
Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina is just one example of a 5G-equipped sports venue in the U.S.
OTT Service Providers
OTT or ‘over-the-top’ service providers are changing the landscape of sports throughout the globe. At their essence, these platforms are media services that deliver content via the Internet, directly to users without the need for them to purchase a cable subscription. Modern-day examples of OTT providers include Netflix, HBO Now, Amazon Video, SlingTV, AppleTV, Hulu, and many more. While there is a monthly or yearly cost to gain access, many people find that the service provided is well worth the small fee. These companies have not only given fans a newer, more innovative way to watch live games from home but have also brought exposure to professional leagues by elevating their individual brands.
Therefore, as high-resolution content brings fans closer to the sports they enjoy, bigger organizations are able to advertise at lower costs and higher frequencies- everyone wins! Although there are a few main providers that dominate the OTT scene, the future is expected to see even more services penetrating the mainstream, especially as fan engagement rates grow. If you’re interested in tapping into an, even more, fluid viewing experience whether with sports or regular movie/series streaming, check out these tips and tricks on how to get the absolute most out of your Netflix subscription.
