What does the future hold for the integration of technology into the sports landscape?

Developments and advancements in technology are revolutionizing a wide range of business niches and sectors, and sports and athletics are part of the movement as well. Innovations and developments have happened in these fields throughout history, but the rise of new tech increases the opportunities for change and is considered one of the most dynamic areas of the sports environment. And while there’s no denying the importance of the activities themselves, sports have also become an opportunity for companies and startups who are looking to establish their place in the spotlight and build a loyal following for themselves. 

Whether you’re a professional, a coach, or just a fan who enjoys sports from the sidelines, being aware of these changes and the technologies driving them helps you have a better perspective on the ways in which the sector will continue to evolve. 

Going digital 

Pretty much everything is online nowadays, from music and TV series to sports events. You can watch live, as part of reruns, through broadcasts, and even on YouTube channels. This change has made the sports environment far more accessible for members of the general public, who are no longer restricted to only local teams and events and can now enjoy matches and events taking place all over the world. Companies such as Cyberduo have already begun to offer advanced IT and cybersecurity services for companies offering streaming services, as they require robust infrastructure solutions in order to deliver seamless and safe services. 

As a result of their improved availability, sports have also become more accessible, and a growing number of individuals are bound to become fans. There are so many sports out there that there’s definitely something that can capture anyone’s attention and interest. Becoming a loyal fan is only one step away. 

Demographics 

The digital revolution has truly democratized sports and the manner in which people consume content related to them. According to a recent study, around 70% of fans prefer to watch their favorite teams and athletes perform outside of traditional venues. Out of this figure, 75% of Millennials and 77% of Gen Z say they prefer at-home viewing, while 53% of Baby Boomers and 32% of those over seventy shared their opinion. While those numbers don’t seem like much, they’re still a considerable portion of their respective demographics. Another thing to take into account is that the devices through which fans choose to watch their favorite sports events have also changed. 

While the majority still prefer the TV when it comes to watching games, smartphones have become increasingly popular, and in 2019, 40% of viewers said that they preferred watching matches on their phones. 39% of sports fans also said they had streaming platforms as their preferred medium for watching sports, but in the intervening years, this trend has hastened, and 2024 data shows that approximately 75% of fans are now dedicated users of streaming platforms. During the same five-year span, the number of fans who use social media regularly in order to keep up with the sports world has also jumped from 44% to 64%, a change that is also believed to be the result of increased interest and engagement from the younger generations. 

The reason for the smartphone preference is that this device is also the one that most people use to obtain information about the players, get live stats, and other types of information that might help them understand the games better. 

Digital engagement 

The evolution of digital solutions and features into the sports arena was bound to lead to changes in how the fan communities interact and engage with their hobby. Companies have been gradually including managed IT services as part of their corporate development plans as they seek to elevate their customer service to the next level. Working with a team that has plenty of experience in areas such as strategy, services and cybersecurity will provide users with a much better experience and ensure that they can navigate online platforms better and more efficiently. 

Several platforms have appeared on the market due to the demand for a place that can transcend geographical barriers and where fans can connect with people from all over the world who share their interests. In a sense, this is a newer iteration of the previous, localized experience, only on a much larger scale now that the online world has become part of it. The eSports community is another noteworthy example of this trend, with players who are continents apart from each other getting together to share their love for competitive gaming. 

This fosters a sense of community and belonging among those interested in this sector, so they don’t have to worry about not finding people in their town who have the same hobbies as them. Live commentary is another game-changer for the industry, as the real-time interactions allow fans to actively take part in what is going on, a unique experience for a fan. These interchanges typically include strategy analysis, celebrations, or venting about the disappointment and frustration surrounding a particularly noteworthy loss. 

Some platforms also allow fans to attend games virtually through an interactive platform, so they can actually feel like they’re cheering for their favorite teams. 

Changing values 

The integration and use of technology have been moving concomitantly with a shift in values in the sports landscape. For instance, more fans are becoming interested in the sustainability of their hobby, and a growing number are interested in watching women’s sports games for the sports they follow as well, considering equal opportunities for all athletes to be paramount. Almost 67% of fans admit to being disappointed that the teams they follow haven’t done more to prioritize environmental sustainability standards as part of their culture. 

A new type of platform is emerging, one that takes a holistic approach to the players, seeking to follow their journeys and see how they fit into the whole narrative. In this sense, sports are moving from being just games or singular events to becoming lifestyle endeavors. 

The sports world is shifting and innovating as well, and technology is at the core of these developments. Only time will tell what the future can bring for the sector, but it will definitely impact everyone involved, whether they’re a player or a fan. 

 

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/09/23/sponsor-spotlight/technology-and-sports/