How Technology is Changing the Sports Industry
Technology has profoundly affected practically every industry in the world, and the world of sports is no exception. Gone are the days of sports being purely about physicality and real-life experiences. Technological innovations are continuously changing the sports industry for the better.
Technological advancements have made it possible for sports to become safer yet more competitive for athletes. It has enhanced the sports fan experience as well, making sports more accessible and enjoyable than ever.
Whether you work in the sports industry or you’re an avid fan, your experience is way different and better than it could be years ago thanks to technology.
Here are some ways how technology is changing the world of sports:
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
The likelihood of getting injured is one of the hard truths of every sport. Athletes risk their bodies and their well-being not just for the entertainment of sports fans, but also for the glory of winning, and we can’t blame them. Playing at the highest levels requires exerting the most effort, and an injury is a possible consequence of this intense commitment to competition.
Thankfully, technology has made it possible to avoid injuries across various sports. For example, there are high-tech mouth guards which use sensors and determine whether impact is serious or negligible so that collisions which may seem normal but are actually threatening can be detected and acted upon.
Furthermore, technology has made it possible to rehabilitate injuries better, such as through the use of digital modeling, which allows for the finding of a source of injuries to body parts such as the elbow and the arm, so that proper treatment may be effected as soon as possible.
Instant Replay Technology
It may seem like instant replay has been a part of sports ever since most of us started following our favorite teams, but there was a time where instant replay did not exist or was at low quality and contentious calls simply became topics for debate for the years to come.
With today’s instant replay technology, what’s happening on the court or on the field can be seen from various angles and even in slow motion. This way, sports leagues can ensure accuracy on what’s happening and the referees are more able to keep the game as fair as possible. Plus, who wouldn’t want to watch LeBron throw a reverse windmill dunk in slow motion?
Fantasy Sports Leagues
Sports fans can be a tough crowd at times. Sometimes, watching the game itself is not enough, and fans want a more immersive experience that will keep them hooked to their favorite sport. Joining a fantasy league is a common way of enhancing the sports fan experience as fans are thrust into the role of general managers who have to build their own teams based on what’s actually happening in the sports league they follow.
The internet has made it simple for any sports fan to join a fantasy league, and with just a few clicks, a fan becomes a proud GM of a fantasy team. Through fantasy, fans are encouraged to keep a closer watch of their favorite sport, and they may even become more invested with their fantasy team than their local major league team.
Stat-Tracking and Analytics
Keeping track of player statistics is a challenging task when done manually. However, technology has made it possible to keep track of stats that even humans can’t measure. An example of this is SportVU, which is a system that tracks everything that’s happening in the basketball court, such as where the ball is going and the movement of the players.
Technology has granted us access to an ocean of data which fans, players, and most especially coaching staff, can benefit from. With analytics data, teams can now make more refined adjustments and coaching staff no longer have to rely on pure intuition and skill when devising a game plan. Sports teams can now utilize math in improving their play, exploiting their opponents, and getting ahead of the competition.
Ticket Purchases
Back then, watching your favorite team live can become an ordeal before you even get in the stadium. Ticket lines are always a hassle and it’s not even guaranteed that you get the seat that you want.
Nowadays, tickets can be purchased online either directly from the league or the team you follow or from ticket-selling websites. With this technology, you won’t have to worry about waiting in line for nothing and you can even pick which seat you want.
High Definition
Not everyone can afford tickets to live games, but it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t enjoy watching their favorite sport. Today, everything is in high definition, and sitting at home watching the game on your TV, your computer, or your phone is almost like watching the game in real life with how clear the action is.
Sports Video Games
It’s not uncommon for fans to wonder what it feels like to play at such a high level as their favorite players since professional athletes can sometimes seem to have superhuman abilities. Although there isn’t any technology yet that will actually put fans in the players’ shoes, fans can at least simulate their favorite sport and play as their favorite team in video games, allowing for a unique and immersive sports experience.
Video games can even serve as a gateway for players to become fans of a sport they didn’t use to follow. Someone who’s clueless about basketball can play a game of NBA 2K with a friend and realize how thrilling the game can be, and before you know it, he’s filling his closet with his hometown team’s jerseys.
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.
