SportsTech Week 43: AI Revolution, Blockchain Partnerships, and Streaming Innovation
From stadium solutions to automated officiating, the future of sports is being reimagined
Another groundbreaking week in sportstech has delivered a fascinating mix of innovations that continue to reshape the sporting landscape. AI stands at the forefront, with developments ranging from Huawei's intelligent stadium solutions to MLB's AI-powered swing detection system. Meanwhile, blockchain technology continues its steady march into mainstream sports, with major partnerships forming across multiple leagues and organisations.
The convergence of traditional sports and cutting-edge technology has never been more evident, as we witness everything from AI-powered coaching tools to blockchain-based fan engagement platforms taking centre stage. Let's dive into this week's most significant developments that are changing the game:
Image source: The FA
At a forum themed ‘AI Enables Smart Building Upgrade’, Huawei unveiled its Intelligent Stadium Solution, creating digital and intelligent stadium campus transformations
Crypto AI smart ring startup CUDIS has integrated the World App to enable users to verify and secure their data using World's proof-of-human technology
Locker Room, an athlete investment fund from LEAD announced that several elite athletes have joined the fund, and it's already made four investments
Sportlight Technology announced its multi-year partnership with the Saudi Pro League, becoming the exclusive provider of player tracking and performance insightsÂ
The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) hosted a women-led sportstech design masterclass, led by 8 founders
The FA have partnered up with Google Pixel and The Powerhouse Project to launch Pixel FC Academy, to help women get into the football media industry
The youth sports streaming platform, GameChanger, is releasing a new AI feature called Film Room, saving coaches time with film-review by removing dead-ball sequences
Sportradar announced the extension of its partnership with the NBA for the 2024/25 season, offering a new range of fan engagement products
Angela Ruggiero, co-founder of Sports Innovation Lab, will deliver a keynote on The TechStack of Sport: Data and Technology Driving the Future of Sports at the FATE expo
Image source: PSG
Paris Saint-Germain announced its multi-year partnership with blockchain platform Matchain to become the Exclusive Digital Identity PartnerÂ
Hudle announced its listing on AdvantageClub.ai, an AI-powered employee rewards platform, to offer wellness solutions to a wider corporate audience through sports
A fantasy tennis platform, Fungiball, announced a €2.2 million pre-seed funding round, to be used to expand the team and develop new features
Betarena, a sports media platform announced its strategic partnership with blockchain consulting company IBC Group
Velocity Capital Management, a private equity firm in sports media announced its strategic partnership with the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation
Image source: Sports Video Group
The new tech-infused, team golf league founded by TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA TOUR, TGL presented by SoFi, announced its launch set for January 2025
Sports Tech World Series (STWS) announced the finalists in its 2024 sports technology awards (ANZSTA) programme
trivago announced its new partnership with Jürgen Klopp as the brand ambassador in an AI-powered marketing campaign
FuboTV announced a multi-year partnership with The Athletic, becoming the official live TV streaming partner
Padel Australia announced its partnership with sports tech investment firm Mindspring to expand the sport across Australia
Preliminary testing has begun in the MLB for checking swings, using the same Hawk-Eye technology as the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge system
The Barça Innovation Hub announced their investment in Rimbarlat, a start-up developing therapies to accelerate muscular regenerationÂ
UBS Arena and the New York Islanders announced a partnership with Viam, with the engineering platform set to become the Official AI Technology Partner
Dana White considering partnering with Mark Zuckerberg to implement an AI solution to the UFC rankings
Nexaa announced its partnership with Dotmoovs, the first AI-powered sports competition platform on blockchain, to revolutionise the Web3 ecosystem
Image source: Coinbase
Coinbase announced its partnership with the Canadian Football League, becoming the first official crypto partner of the CFL and sponsor of the Grey Cup
Socios.com, a blockchain-based sports platform, announced that it received an in-principle approval to operate in MaltaÂ
Valhalla, a play-to-earn MMORPG blockchain game, partnered with the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes, marking the return of the tournament
Wrexham FC announced a new partnership with Meta Quest, becoming the official back-of-shirt sponsor for the League One club starting from the 25/26 season
As we close out another remarkable week in sportstech, it's clear that artificial intelligence and blockchain technology are no longer future prospects but present-day reality in sports. From Huawei's stadium transformation initiatives to MLB's innovative use of Hawk-Eye technology for checking swings, we're seeing technology reshape every aspect of sports, from how games are played to how they're experienced.
The industry's momentum is particularly evident in the strategic partnerships forming across the globe - whether it's PSG's collaboration with Matchain, FuboTV's alliance with The Athletic, or the CFL's groundbreaking crypto partnership with Coinbase. These relationships aren't just about innovation; they're about creating new possibilities for athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike.
Until next week, stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of sports and technology. Don't forget to share these insights with fellow sportstech enthusiasts who are equally passionate about the future of sports!