Sports and technology overlap in several major ways. Tech has helped to improve the physical side of the sport, as well as the enjoyment fans are able to receive in regard to the way it is consumed.
Some of the technologies that we have available to us today are very new and can be considered futuristic. However, if there is one thing that we know about tech, it always has the capability of being able to improve, develop, and advance, providing even more benefits and features that enable sport to become even better.
This helps make the future bright in several ways, with some of the following perhaps the biggest trends that we could see across the entire sporting industry in the next few years…
The way sports are played and competed
There have already been several ways in which the physical side of sports have been improved through the usage of technology. Many of the world’s biggest and most popular activities have been improved because of technological feats that have been achieved.
Sports have become more competitive and accurate with technologies that help officials come to the correct decisions. The position of video analysts has become important for many athletes and sports teams, as the tech available allows people to identify the strengths and weaknesses of themselves and their opponents, thus giving them a way to find a competitive edge and exploit any vulnerabilities that may have been found. This has allowed people to become better at their disciplines, thus increasing the overall standard and quality of the sport being competed.
With new tech becoming available, we should expect to see sports becoming even fiercer in the future as its powers will likely be leveraged and harnessed for bigger benefits.
Viewing experiences have been enhanced
While the sporting side of things have been improved, viewing experiences have also been improved and are likely to get even better in the years to come.
Fans are already able to enjoy broadcasts that provide them with an authentic and real experience, but these could be improved further with new technologies. We could potentially see new immersive and interactive features become available, allowing fans to get closer to the action.
Sports betting has always been a key part of the sports industry, as there are many that like to combine their passion for wagering on their favorite events. The invention of the betting app has helped to accelerate growth even further, especially as there are technologies like live streaming and real-time analytics and data that enhance the overall viewing experiences. With these features likely to improve further in the future, the way that sports are bet on could potentially change for the better.
Virtual Reality will likely happen
Virtual reality is a technological concept that many have been excited for and have had to patiently wait for. It’s available in some aspects already, but its true potential is arguably yet to have been experienced.
It promises to provide the ability to attend sporting events as a spectator and have the best seat in the house, all the while sitting somewhere else. The technology would take immersion to an entirely new level, giving sports fans a lifelike experience of an event but potentially from the comfort of their own home. Statistics may be able to scroll around the screen as you watch the event unfold, truly sucking us into what’s being watched.
Better equipment
Technology can also have an impact on the equipment that is used in sports, and this can benefit everyone from grassroots and amateur levels, as well as those who are competing at the professional and elite levels.
Almost every single piece of equipment used by a sport – whether it be a ball, footwear, apparel, clubs, racquets, etc. – have all used technologies in the past, and with technology continuing to evolve, equipment continues to be developed to a higher level, which can encourage even better competition.
Technology can create excitement in sport
Although there will be many examples in which technology has arguably created a few issues for some sports – football and VAR being one major one, there are many examples where it has been a huge benefit.
With new technologies continuing to come to the forefront of the industry, sports are certainly in a good place and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the entire sector was to be improved further, regardless of whether you compete or enjoy a viewing experience.