SportsTech Recap: The Last One of 2024
Closing out the year with groundbreaking partnerships, revolutionary tech adoptions, and major streaming acquisitions
A Note of Thanks:
Before diving into this week's roundup, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who've subscribed to Regen Sports this year. When I started this newsletter earlier this year, my goal was simple: to connect with people who share my passion for the intersection of sports and technology. The community we've built has exceeded my expectations, and I'm incredibly excited to grow this platform further in 2025, connecting with even more like-minded individuals who believe in the transformative power of technology in sports.As we wrap up 2024, the SportsTech landscape continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace. This week's roundup showcases how the industry is pushing boundaries across multiple fronts – from OneFootball's strategic expansion into new markets to NASCAR's consideration of AI for enhancing fan experience. We're seeing traditional sports embracing digital transformation, while new platforms are revolutionising how fans interact with their favourite athletes and teams. The convergence of AI, blockchain, and traditional sports infrastructure is creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
Let's dive into this week's most significant developments:
OneFootball, the OTT platform, announced a partnership extension with DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga to bring German league football to fans in South Africa and Vietnam
Numerous tennis governing bodies such as the ITF, WTA, AELTC and USTA reported findings of Signify Group’s AI-powered online abuse support service
UK-based sports facility management platform, Pitchbook, announced its entry into the US market through a partnership with small-sided soccer operator, Soccer 5 USA
Image source: Crypto.com
Crypto.com announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind sports event trading for US users, allowing them to participate and predict the outcomes
A Texas-based accelerator, DivInc, partnered with the NBA Foundation to provide 25 black Houston youth with paid internships at tech startups
Mediapason Group's channels set to broadcast the Spanish Super Cup’s three games free, with Cronache di Spogliatoio streaming the competition on YouTube
One of Us, a football talent development platform, allows fans to become stakeholders of their favourite players through the launch of a native token on XDB CHAIN
CUDIS, the web3 smart ring developer announced its 1 year partnership with UCLA Athletics, to promote its AI-powered smart rings to college students and athletes
Nazara Technologies announced that it acquired an additional 10.26% in subsidiary Absolute Sports for $8.4 million, increasing its total stake to 81.94%
Steve O'Donnell, the COO of NASCAR, hinted that the organisation could turn to AI to help solve the concerns fans have with the current playoff format
Image source: Sportscal
France-based broadcaster, Canal Plus, has acquired the rights to the the tech-infused golf league, TGL, set to broadcast to France, Switzerland, and sub-Saharan Africa
Sports streaming service DAZN has acquired Australian Pay-TV Foxtel from media company News Corp and telco Telstra in a deal worth $2.2 billion
As we look ahead to 2025, it's clear that the fusion of sports and technology will only accelerate, creating more immersive, accessible, and engaging experiences for fans, athletes, and stakeholders alike. Whether it's through AI-powered solutions, blockchain innovations, or groundbreaking broadcast partnerships, the future of sports is being reimagined right before our eyes.
Community Survey:
Before we wrap up, one of our valued subscribers has asked us to share an important research survey. They're conducting a study on the SportsTech and Innovation Ecosystem in Africa, and your insights would be incredibly valuable. If you have a few minutes to spare, please consider participating in this anonymous survey:
[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj--x4rpJ-p8K8hpZXN3Llzw1ISo13BEXINmH6qWTGiAaDNQ/viewform]
Your feedback will help shape our understanding of where the industry is on the African continent.
Happy holidays to all, and see you in 2025 with more exciting developments from the world of SportsTech!