SportsTech Week 38: AI Revolution, Blockchain Breakthroughs, and Digital Innovations

From AI-powered scouting to crypto partnerships, this week's roundup showcases how technology is reshaping the sports landscape across the globe.

Welcome back, sports tech enthusiasts! This week's digest is brimming with groundbreaking developments that continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports. From cutting-edge AI applications revolutionising talent scouting and injury management, to blockchain technology fostering new fan engagement models, the sports industry is embracing digital transformation like never before.

We're seeing traditional sports powerhouses partnering with tech giants, while innovative startups are making waves with solutions that promise to change how we experience, play, and interact with sports. Whether it's AI-driven cameras enhancing broadcast quality, virtual reality creating immersive training environments, or cryptocurrency opening new avenues for sponsorship and fan interaction, the convergence of sports and technology is creating a playing field ripe with opportunity.

So, let’s recap what went down with this past week's most impactful sportstech stories:

1. FAI Aviation Group announced a partnership with FC Bayern München for the 24/25 season, becoming the official Business Aviation Partner

2. UIC Digital showcases a consumer streaming copilot application at IBC 2024, changing content streaming through AI-driven personalisation and enhanced user engagement

   

   Image source: Sports Engine

3. SportsEngine Play, the youth and amateur sports streaming platform announced a multi-year partnership with Prep Baseball Tournaments

4. Williams Racing and Kraken, in collaboration with digital Web3 artist CandyApple,  launched the Cosmos Collection

5. Parma Calcio FC announced a partnership with zondacrypto, becoming the Official Crypto Exchange Partner

6. Sportway and DMC Production become the first to implement AI-driven PTZ camera technology for ice hockey broadcasts in France

7. MMA promotion ONE Championship partnered with blockchain company Sui and technology innovation firm Globant, with Sui serving as the official blockchain partner

8. Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras developed a portable ‘Point-of-Care-Ultrasound’ (POCUS) scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management

9. LunaMicro AB, a Sweden-based deep-tech start-up has been awarded Techtextil’s 2024 Innovation Award in the “New Technology” category

   

   Image source: AC Milan

10. AC Milan have announced a new partnership with consumer technology company Dyson, will collaborate on the launch of Dyson’s new OnTrac model headphones

11. Nordensa, the talent scouting platform, announced their partnership with AI-powered scouting startup Afriskaut, to further football talent development

12. The developer of immersive tennis simulators, Tennis Social AI announced the completion of its V1 Tennis simulator and is available for pre-order

13. The Denver Broncos announced a partnership with Trace3, making the IT solutions provider the official AI consultancy of the football franchise

14. The NCAA approved Gallaudet University’s tech-enhanced football helmet, designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes for the 2024 season

15. The ATLETA Network rolled out its new grant programme as the network doubled its user base to over 500 000 users 

16. The adidas Community Lab, in collaboration with Impact Hub and Black Ambition, is opening applications to its equity-focused sports tech accelerator

17. Gaming and sports media company Nazara Technologies is set to raise Rs 900 crore, whilst also increasing its stake in Absolute Sports to 91%

    

    Image source: WSC Sports

18. The Belgian Pro League has extended its partnership with WSC Sports, allowing all 29 professional clubs to continue to utilise AI-powered video content solutions

19. IBC2024 saw Vislink Technologies debut the DragonFly, a miniature transmitter aimed at point-of-view footage, ref cams, drones etc. 

20. Topgolf, a sports entertainment leader, enhances player experience and business efficiency with LogicMonitor, aiming to hit 50 billion balls by 2025 

21. BETBY announced the addition of eStreetball to its BETBY Games esports content portfolio, adding to its lineup of e-simulator sports

22. At Token2049, Bitget announced their partnership with La Liga as the official crypto sponsor, aiming to enhance fan engagement in Asia and Latin America

23. Puma has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to bring its licensed content into blockchain gaming, aiming to drive blockchain adoption

24. The 4th cohort of the NBA’s accelerator, Launchpad, is seeking submissions in performance and business categories

25. EA is set to launch a new social app that will use its existing technology to mix real-life and virtual sports, seen as a new way to engage with sports 

26. The 6th cohort of Techstars Sports Accelerator Powered By Indy is open with applicants from 6 countries; the US, Canada, England, Scotland, Israel and Norway

27. The AI-powered gym workout app, FitnessAI, announced the launch of its BodyScan feature, enabling users to perform detailed body scans with their smartphone cameras

28. Signing Day Sports set to acquire majority equity stake in sports gaming technology company Swifty Global

29. HUNTING TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, launched its latest offering, the T-APEX, an intelligent resistance training device that leverages advanced data analysis

30. The American Hockey League (AHL) selected Fastbreak.ai, the AI-driven sports scheduling technology, to assist in managing the league's scheduling needs

31. Hall of Fame Village Media, in partnership with ReachTV, launched Hometown Heroes, offering viewers a day in the life of professional sports athletes

32. Chiliz Group launched Chiliz Includ3d, with their first inaugural program, Includ3d Accelerator, a training course that will start in October 2024 

33. Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) launched a new Web3 game, Play Ligue 1, where users can rate all goals scored in Ligue 1, unlocking digital artefacts/NFTs

    

    Image source: Sportcal

34. AC Milan have partnered with telecommunications company Telecom Italia, will feature on the back of the women's first-team and men's youth side shirts

35. Verizon Business announced its partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to maintain MSE’s cyber resiliency and security optimisation across its enterprise  

36.  Ave.ai announced its partnership with Thravos.io. leveraging RWAs, DePins and blockchain technology for enhanced and interactive fitness experiences

37. GET REPS announced the development of the highly durable smart core, an advanced solution designed to withstand extreme impacts experienced in high-intensity sports

As we wrap up this edition of this week’s roundup, it's clear that the fusion of sports and technology continues to accelerate at an exhilarating pace. From the sidelines to the boardroom, innovation is reshaping every aspect of the sports industry. AI is not just enhancing performance analytics but is now pivotal in talent scouting, injury prevention, and even officiating. Blockchain and Web3 technologies are creating new paradigms for fan engagement and digital ownership, while streaming platforms are pushing the boundaries of personalised content delivery.

The partnerships we've seen this week between sports franchises and tech companies underscore the industry's commitment to staying ahead of the curve. As traditional sports embrace digital transformation, we're witnessing the birth of new sports formats and experiences that blur the lines between physical and virtual realms.

Looking ahead, it's evident that the sports technology sector is poised for continued growth and innovation. From grassroots initiatives to professional leagues, technology is democratising access to sports, enhancing performance, and creating more immersive experiences for fans worldwide.

Stay tuned for our next edition, where we'll continue to track these exciting developments and uncover the next game-changing innovations in the world of sports technology.

Don't forget to share this newsletter with your network of sports enthusiasts and tech aficionados. Together, we can stay at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. Until then, keep pushing the boundaries and reimagining the future of sports!