SportsTech Weekly: Strategic Moves and Safety Innovation
Where Partnerships Meet Progress: A Week of Calculated Developments in Sports Technology
Hello sports tech enthusiasts! 👋🏼
While this week might have been quieter on the breakthrough announcements front, it's been a week of strategic positioning and meaningful progress in the sports technology landscape. From the NBA's comprehensive biomechanics program rollout to innovative child safety initiatives in tennis, we're seeing thoughtful, long-term plays that could reshape various aspects of sports.
The first few weeks of 2025 have reminded us that innovation isn't always about flashy headlines – sometimes it's about laying strong foundations for the future. From cryptocurrency partnerships with major sports brands to groundbreaking safety protocols, the industry continues to evolve in ways that matter.
So let’s dive deep into this week's most impactful sports tech announcements.
Image source: CoinW
Cryptocurrency exchange, CoinW, announced a partnership with LALIGA, becoming the Official Regional Crypto Exchange of Spain’s top football competition
The college football all-star game, the Hula Bowl, is set to be tracked by the motion capture provider BeOne Sports as the official technology partner
Scrum Ventures, an early-stage VC firm, announced the closure of its first tech fund, Scrum Sports & Entertainment Fund I, closing at $68 million
KIBI Sports, the Indian-based digital sports startup, raised $100,000 in funding from angel investors, with the aim to create sustainable opportunities in the country
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas had several sports and fitness, as well as health and AI announcements take place over the 3 days
NexusLive, a real-time sports data and streaming solutions company, announced the release of its latest innovation, Real-Time Sports Data 2.0
Image source: TVB Europe
The XR Sports Alliance (XRSA) announced details of its first cohort of members, namely technology service providers Ateme and Skyrim.ai
Sports data AI company, Sportable, announced the acquisition of Intaneous, a computer vision company specialising in transforming sports data into insights and visualisations
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is launching a league-wide biomechanics programme in all 30 facilities with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
Cryptocurrency, Cardano, announced a new partnership with FC Barcelona, to revolutionise fan engagement as part of the Barça Vision programme
Venu Sports, the joint venture sports streaming platform planned by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery has been discontinued effective immediately
Samsung Galaxy announced a new partnership with Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, to serve as its official technology and presenting partner
European streaming network Viaplay announced a new multi-year rights deal with Ligue 1, to broadcast in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries
Oho, announced a 5-year deal with Tennis Australia to protect children in sport, using screening and verification technology to vet coaches, officials, and event management teams
Image source: IMG
Euroleague Basketball and IMG, a sports marketing agency, announced the renewal of their partnership agreement, extending through to the 2035/36 season
As we wrap up this week's roundup, it's clear that while the headlines might have been quieter, the impact of these developments shouldn't be understated. The NBA's league-wide biomechanics initiative represents a massive step forward in athlete care and performance analysis. Meanwhile, Tennis Australia's partnership with Oho signals a growing emphasis on using technology to create safer sporting environments – a trend we expect to see more of in 2025.
The strategic moves in the streaming space, from Viaplay's expansion to the discontinuation of Venu Sports, remind us that the digital transformation of sports consumption remains a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable journey. Cryptocurrency continues to make inroads into major sports, with both LALIGA and FC Barcelona announcing significant partnerships.
What's particularly encouraging is seeing the industry's commitment to long-term development, whether through Scrum Ventures' new sports tech fund or the XR Sports Alliance's formation. These movements suggest that while some weeks might be quieter than others, the foundation for sports technology innovation continues to strengthen.
Don't forget to share these insights with fellow sports and tech enthusiasts who might find value in staying ahead of the curve.
Until next week, keep tracking the trends, spotting the plays, and shaping the game.