Most of the professional sports that you watch is already being driven by technology. As technology becomes a major part of people’s lives, it’ll change the way that you engage with your favorite sports. Here are the top eight sports technology trends you should look out for, as noted by Joseph Vessecchia.
Big Data is Getting Even Bigger
There are actually two data trends that are making an impact on professional sports. The first one is data analytics, which is being used by some professional sporting organizations. They’re using a massive amount of data to measure and optimize the performance of their players. It also allows them to create schedules that are in line with their players’ health.
The other trend is the use of the Internet of Things, in which professional sports organizations analyze and collect this data from a multitude of network-connected devices. For example, video taken on helmet cams gives coaches a bird’s eye look at the action on the field. These wearable devices allow them to record and track their players’ vital signs. Coaches and trainers are using IoT data to help improve their player’s performance.
Smartphone & Mobile Technology
Seventy percent of the world will be using mobile devices and smartphones, according to Swedish telecom manufacturer Ericsson. Mobile devices and messaging applications such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are increasing in popularity. This allows fans to chat with their friends as they watch the game online in real-time. It’s also where marketers are finding new ways to engage with sports fans.
Globalization
The international appeal of sports is increasing in popularity. Interest in American football is expanding around the world. Meanwhile, Americans are showing interest in international football (soccer) with championship games like the FIFA World Cup. The National Basketball Association wants to make its move to China and India in the next few years. This increased interest in international sports has increased through mobile technology and social media.
Athletes as Social Media Influencers
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed celebrity and athlete on Instagram with over 148 million followers. NBA star Lebron James currently has over 22 million fans on Facebook while his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, has only 5 million. James has become a celebrity in his own right thanks to his endorsements with brands like Nike. He quickly became one of the top-earning athletes.
The Future of Broadcasting
How and where you watch a sporting event is going to change in the coming future. When it comes to broadcasting rights, networks such as BT and Sky will receive even more scrutiny from tech startups who want to get in on the action. Amazon, Facebook, and Netflix want to change the way that fans watch sports forever. They’re hoping to cash in with some of these broadcasting networks.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology involves more than those smartwatches that track your every step. Wearable technology is making an impact on how professional athletes perform. Heddoko implemented compression shirts and pants that track every movement an athlete makes whenever they exercise. It then compiles this information and provides feedback on how that athlete can avoid injuring themselves.
With smart devices embedded into clothing, this type of technology can help coaches track their athletes’ performance. This also allows them to monitor their health in the middle of a game. Some of this technology could become lifesaving, especially in regard to player safety in American football. One example is sensors embedded in helmets that are used to determine the impact of the number of hits to a player’s head during a single game.
Virtual Reality
How would you feel about sitting courtside with some of your favorite celebrities? How about sitting in the passenger seat with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the middle of a NASCAR race? Virtual reality is likely to make some of your wildest fantasies a reality in the coming years. Most sports organizations are already implementing VR technology for training their superstar athletes.
Some of them are even signing billion-dollar contracts with VR production companies to broadcast and produce live sporting events using this technology. In addition, some sporting venues are allowing fans to wear VR headsets to better enhance the sporting event.
The Rise of Fantasy Sports
Over 56 million fans participated in fantasy sports in the U.S. and Canada alone in 2015. This participation in virtual sports is expected to increase over time. Fans are becoming interested in this immersive and intense experience. E.A. Sports’ popular video game series have led to a sudden interest in international sporting events.
About Joseph Vessecchia
Joseph Vessecchia is a sports lover and a software salesman. He’s worked hard to hone his craft because he believes it is essential for his employer and customers. When he’s not watching sports, hosting prayer groups, or volunteering, he’s helping students achieve their sales goals.