SportsTech Weekly: AI Integration and Fan Experience Revolution
Where innovation meets the playing field: AI, Partnerships, and Fan Engagement lead the charge
The sports technology landscape is starting the new year at breathtaking speed, with this week showcasing a remarkable convergence of artificial intelligence, immersive fan experiences, and strategic partnerships.
The transformation isn't just about technology – it's about reimagining how fans connect with their favourite sports, how athletes train and perform, and how traditional sports businesses adapt to the digital age. This week's developments paint a picture of an industry in full sprint toward the future so let’s dive in!
Image source: Sportsvideo
The Chicago Bears launched an interactive multimedia digital experience called “Thank You, Bears Fans.”, presented by Dunkin' to honour the fans
American Hockey League team, the Utica Comets, have become the first professional hockey team in North America to install 360-degree LED rink dasher boards
EX-Sports, a SportsTech platform transforming fan engagement with blockchain and NFTs, announced its public IDO on TDX, set for January 2025
PlayMaker, a platform designed to transform the way partnerships are managed and optimised in sports sponsorships and entertainment is set to launch this month
Pison, a maker of AI-powered neural sensors, launched a baseball product, the Pison Baseball Pro, which measure cognitive functions through smart wristbands
After NASCAR’s COO Steve O’Donnell explained they were exploring AI’s potential in the sport, they’re now also evaluating how it could help improve the on-track product
ArCa Ventures Studio is looking for the top 5 startups in sports and entertainment technology to join their 1-year incubation and acceleration program
International Endeavors Corporation announced the launch of a paid subscription model for Winners Waygers, their AI-powered sports prediction service
Chiliz’s announced that its flagship platform, Socios.com, has secured authorisation from the Malta Financial Services Authority
The Japan Sports Agency plans to use AI to strengthen their athletes, leveraging the technology to manage form and improve conditioning
Canyon//SRAM new 2025 women’s team kit are now sponsored by Estonian cryptocurrency exchange, ZondaCrypto
Red Bull Racing’s 3-year partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has come to an end after the conclusion of the 2024 racing season
Image source: FIA Formula E
Formula E announced a multi-year AI and technology partnership with Google Cloud, which will serve as its official cloud technology services and cloud security partner
The European Handball Federation announced a new multi-year partnership with Viaplay to broadcast continental competitions broadcast across the region
Advance Queensland, in collaboration with the National Rugby League and Australian Sports Technologies Network ais launching a 10-week NRL magic round tech sprint
Orlando Magic, in collaboration with the DeVos family and LEAD VC, will host the Orlando Magic Venture Challenge, providing investment capital to early-stage startups
Disney’s Hulu+ Live TV unit is set to merge with sports streamer FuboTV, expected to be the second-biggest internet-based pay-TV outfit in the US after YouTube TV
Strava and Apple Fitness+ collaborate with Fitness+ workouts being integrated into Strava, while Fitness+ will offer up to a 3-month trial for Strava subscribers
Image source: Sportcal
KPMG and US gaming company FanDuel have been added as the latest partners of TGL, the tech-infused golf league
RoxOpt, the training reporting company, launched its AI-powered analytics platform to revolutionise HYROX training and racing
As we close out the first week of the new year in sports tech, the industry's commitment to innovation shines through every story. From the Chicago Bears' multimedia tribute to fans to Formula E's groundbreaking partnership with Google Cloud, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how sports are experienced, analysed, and monetised.
As we look ahead to next week, one thing is clear: the pace of innovation in sports technology is ramping up from the get go. From startups to established players, from local teams to global leagues, the race to leverage technology for better sports experiences continues to accelerate.
Don't forget to share these insights with fellow sports enthusiasts who might find value in staying ahead of the curve. Until next week, keep reading the field, spotting the plays, and shaping the game.
Track the trends. Spot the plays. Shape the game.