SportsTech Roundup: AI Dominance, Esports Evolution, and Cutting-Edge Innovations

From AI-powered stadiums to doping-friendly Olympics, this week's roundup showcases the bold future of sports technology

Strap in, tech-savvy sports enthusiasts! This week's sportstech weekly recap is overflowing with game-changing innovations, groundbreaking partnerships, and futuristic concepts that are reshaping the sports landscape as we know it. From AI-enhanced fan experiences to the controversial realm of performance enhancement, we're covering it all. Let's dive into the plays that are revolutionising the field, play-by-play:

Image source: Outlook India website

1. AI experts visit Hamdan Sports Complex to boost AI in sports

2. Biometric ticketing is a hit with major sports leagues such as MLB and European soccer leagues

3. Blockasset partners with UFC on a multi-year deal as its Official Digital Fan Interaction Partner 

4. Could mountain biking become a Paralympic sport with the aid of technology?

5. NTT DATA announced that it will be transforming the fan experience at The 152nd Open

6. Sportradar secures major client wins on strength of managed trading services

7. Kambi Group Plc has confirmed the appointment of Werner Becher as the new CEO of the Stockholm-listed sports betting technology group

8. Bluestone Equity Partners announced a growth investment in Qloo, the leading AI platform for consumer tastes and preferences

9. Smart stadiums transforming the fan experience with innovative infrastructure technology

10. IIT-M to hold conclave on sports-tech startups and support for 2036 Olympics bid

11. LEAD welcomes Cortenraede as new general partner

12. IBM's AI-powered “Catch Me Up” feature has drawn attention for fact errors published in player cards at this year’s Wimbledon

13. Veritone signs new multi-year content-licensing agreement with Tennis Australia to expand access to premium tennis content

14. Fox is using the Euros and Copa América tournaments to experiment with new studio tech

15. ParlayPlay, a sports fantasy and prediction platform has raised $3.8M in funding

16. Supponor announced record deployment levels for its award-winning AI-based virtual advertising platform, Supponor AIR

17. Formula E has announced former Manchester United and F1 communications officer Ellie Norman as its new chief marketing officer

18. London-based technology company, Feldspar, announced that it is building the world's first sensor-enabled performance running track

19. Teamworks acquires ZoneIn, a performance nutrition and meal planning software designed for sports teams

20. Manchester United and Adidas launched the upcoming home kit on Roblox

    

    Image source: Chilliz Medium page

21. Chiliz integrates with PUML Better Health to deliver gamified health, wellness, and Move to Earn for sports fans

22. Euroleague Basketball is joining forces with WSC Sports to provide digital creators with access to fully-licensed footage of its competitions

23. ATP approves in-competition wearables

24. The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced its first ever official esports tournament with the Wimbledon eChamps 

25. The NBA and Take-Two are reimagining the NBA 2K League into a global digital entertainment business

26. NODWIN Gaming to fully acquire German esports and gaming company Freaks 4U Gaming for €30.3m

27. EverPass Media, a media platform for distribution of live sports and entertainment content to commercial businesses, announced that it acquired UPshow

28. Dizplai acquired PickGuru gaming platform and creates Dizplai Gaming

29. Stupa Sports Analytics to serve as official streaming partner for WMTTCR’24

30. Spiideo unveiled product updates in AI-automated sports broadcasting

31. Selfridges partnered with Snapchat for new in-store AR experiences celebrating the summer of sport, such as the Euros, the Paris Olympics and Wimbledon

32. NASCAR adds new AI feature to upgrade its Tracks app for this weekend’s Chicago Street Race

33. NASCAR debuted electric race car prototype ahead of Chicago Street Race

34. PIING becomes the official crowd supplier of Manchester City to further fan engagement during games

    

    Image source: NBC News website

35. Avenue Capital Group is raising $1.5 billion for their sports investment fund, backed by star athletes

36. Elevate Ventures announced finalists for $1 million IN-Prize pitch contest

37. Wimbledon employs AI to combat online abuse

38. PGA Frisco, a high-tech coaching facility, is helping Texans get into golf

39. The Enhanced Games, a doping-friendly Olympics, seeks $300 million from investors to launch its first competition next year

These recaps seem to be getting longer! From AI combating online abuse at Wimbledon to the audacious concept of the Enhanced Games, the industry continues to push boundaries and challenge our perceptions of what's possible in sports. As we wrap up this action-packed recap, I'm already keen to see what next week will bring.

Remember, navigating the rapidly evolving world of sportstech is a team effort. By sharing this newsletter, you're not just spreading knowledge – you're fostering innovation and sparking conversations that could shape the future of sports. So don't keep these insights to yourself – pass them along to your network and help grow our community of forward-thinking sports and tech enthusiasts.

Until next time.