SportsTech Week 37: AI Explosion, Web3 Waves, and Global Gamechangers

From AI-powered fan experiences to blockchain breakthroughs, this week's roundup showcases sportstech's unstoppable momentum across leagues, continents, and digital frontiers.

Strap in, sports tech enthusiasts! We're sprinting through another electrifying week in the world of sports innovation. The playing field is evolving faster than ever, with AI taking centre stage in everything from fantasy sports to live broadcasts. Meanwhile, blockchain and Web3 continue to reshape fan engagement and sports economics.

This week's highlight reel spans from major league partnerships to grassroots initiatives, showcasing the truly global nature of sportstech innovation. We're seeing tech giants deepening their sports footprint, while startups and accelerators are nurturing the next generation of game-changers. So get ready to dive into this week's most impactful sportstech stories:

Image source: Valencia CF

1. Valencia CF announced that they reached an agreement with sports hydration management startup AQUAME

2. Metaverse developer Infinite Reality and Google Cloud entered into a partnership to create AI-powered immersive experiences for sport

3. Beijing to host the Sports Services Section as one of nine industry focused areas at the CIFTIS 2024, set to take place from September 12 to 16

4. IBM and ESPN announced new AI-powered enhancements to the ESPN Fantasy app, to create personalised and engaging experiences for users

5. SBC is launching StartupSphere , an initiative for startup founders to connect with clients and potential investors, set to take place at the SBC Summit in Lisbon

6. BETER has extended its partnership with BVGroup to provide global Esports coverage

   

   Image source: Arsenal.com

7. NTT Data becomes Arsenal FC’s official digital transformation partner in a multi-year deal, club to use AI and ML to enhance digital fan engagement

8. Panasonic Holdings to end its 37-year contract as a top sponsor for the Olympics following the conclusion of the Paris Games

9. Digital technology company Cisco is expanding its agreement with the National Football League (NFL) to include international rights

10. Field Vision launched the first AI-driven mobile app to deliver professional football's player-specific predictions and analysis

11. Fastbreak.ai, a sportstech company in AI-driven scheduling and sports logistics  acquired sports scheduling solutions firm, Optimal Planning Solutions

12. SkyView Innovations announced its acquisition of OMM, a creative, sportstech and experiential company

13. eStar Gaming collaborate with Dalian Young Boy Football Club to explore innovative business models that blend digital and traditional sports realms

14. ESPN’s AI-generated sports recaps started this past weekend and people already have mixed feelings about the augmented content

15. Amazon’s Prime Video debuts 9 new AI-powered features for ‘Thursday Night Football’

16. The NFL and Amazon Web Services extended their long-term partnership, delivering innovation through AI and machine learning in football

17. Chapman University’s Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics set to launch “The Future of Sports” event focused on innovation

18. La Liga announced its partnership with the China Media Group as part of its international broadcasting strategy for 2024-25 season

19. Decentralised sports book exchange LEVR Bet announced that it’s launching its app in testnet on the Monad layer 1 blockchain

20. Gaming and sports media company Nazara acquires 15.68% stake in Stan, a blockchain-based e-sports fan engagement startup

21. The College Squash Association (CSA) announced its partnership with DigiMithril, bringing AI-enabled refereeing into college squash

22. All In Sport Consulting and Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group set to conduct the 4th edition of the Adapted Sports Industry Economic Impact Study

23. FIBA announces partnership with LaLiga+ streaming platform to exclusively broadcast the 2024 3×3 World Tour in Spain 

24. Lottery.com announced the completion of its acquisition of S&MI Ltd., the technology company behind the Sports.com brand and app

    

    Image source: WSC Sports

25. WSC Sports announced the expansion of its league-wide partnership with the ACC, allowing all 18 member institutions access to WSC Sports’ technology

26. WSC Sports is set to partner with Snap, bringing its content creation tools to leagues and athletes on the social media platform

27. The DIGITAL X 2024 event to take place in Cologne on September 18 and 19 will dive into virtual worlds and its impact on various sectors, including sports

28. Upland extends partnership with the NFLPA and OneTeam Partners for 4th year, boosting fan engagement in Web3

29. Sportswear and athleisure solutions platform Agilitas Sports raised funding from Mumbai-based Spring Marketing Capital

30. HPS Investment Partners and Accel are purchasing shares in Aston Martin’s F1 Team, in a deal valuing it at more than £1.5bn 

31. Danish-based golf software company Players 1st raised €1.3 million in funding from Scale Capital  

32. UFC featured Proto Hologram technology at UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC in the Las Vegas entertainment venue, the Sphere

33. SPORTEL Monaco 2024 set to host 3 day event on sports media will take place from 28-30 October 

    

    Image source: Be In Crypto

34. Gate.io and AWS set to co-host ‘Gateway to Championships’ event in partnership with Inter Milan, to be held in Singapore on September 18

35. EA SPORTS launched a new programme dubbed Gen/EA, aimed at supporting young athletes and engaging the next generation of sports fans

36. TikTok and Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced a multiyear partnership that will see TikTok as an official partner of the NHL’s Washington Capitals

37. LA Kings announced a multi-year partnership with Iron Bow Technologies, with the IT solutions provider set to become the official away jersey patch partner

38. The National Pickleball League (NPL) named ERNE as the official ball machine sponsor of the league, as part of their partnership with Victory Sports Technologies LLC

39. Gaming competition platform Leaguespot announced its acquisition of youth and community esports league management company Mission Control

40. The AI Pitch Competition reveals finalists as 10 AI startups and 2 university entries make the preparations for September 30th

    

    Image source: Disrupt Africa

41. 10 African startups to pitch at NBA Africa’s Triple-Double accelerator demo day on September 25

As we wrap up this action-packed edition, it's clear that the sportstech industry is operating in hyperdrive. The convergence of AI, blockchain, and immersive technologies isn't just enhancing how we play and watch sports – it's fundamentally reimagining the entire sports ecosystem.

What's particularly exciting is the global nature of this innovation. From China's sports services showcase to African startups pitching at NBA Africa's accelerator, sportstech is truly a worldwide phenomenon. It's fostering new partnerships, driving investments, and opening up new avenues for sports engagement across cultures and continents.

As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing. Whether you're an athlete, a fan, an investor, or a tech enthusiast, there's never been a more thrilling time to be part of the sportstech revolution.

Remember, staying ahead in this fast-paced world means staying informed and connected. Share this newsletter with your network and join the conversation about the future of sports tech. Until next week, keep your eye on the ever-evolving intersection of sports and technology.