The sports industry is evolving at a fast pace, with new innovations bringing improved player performance and fan engagement to the table. Some of the major trends to watch in 2024 include virtual and phygital sports, emerging coaching technologies, a focus on equity for female athletes, smart stadium experiences and the rise of alternative sports like soccer and esports.
Smart facilities use IoT sensor data to optimize stadium operations, cutting costs and enhancing security and efficiency. For example, smart parking systems automatically direct vehicles to available spots based on occupancy, while RFID-enabled entrance solutions let fans skip the line and enter quickly by scanning their ticket or mobile phone. In addition, a smart stadium can also monitor air quality and weather conditions using connected sensors that communicate with cloud-based analytics.
AI is transforming the sports industry with advanced predictive analytics that improve athlete training and scouting, team building and injury prevention. AI-powered video analysis tools can identify patterns and player behavior to predict performance and create more strategic game plans. Meanwhile, wearables that track biomechanical metrics offer detailed insights to enhance athletes’ training and reduce injuries.
For players, a coaching app powered by AI helps them practice more effectively, while coaches can track team progress with a real-time dashboard. As a result, sports venues that offer AI-powered apps stand out to parents and local clubs and can attract new revenue from casual viewers by serving targeted content and offers.