With evolving fan expectations, a push for equity and sustainability, and new opportunities to innovate, sports technology is changing faster than ever. Sports trends to watch for include virtual and phygital sports, coaching technologies, innovations for female athletes, and smart stadium experiences.
Wearables are a major driver of this change, with advanced sports tech like fitness trackers and communication helmets becoming commonplace in many leagues and clubs. These devices allow players to monitor and adjust their workouts based on their goals, while also tracking important metrics such as heart rate, speed, movement, and energy use. For semi-professional football teams, for example, access to smart wearables and advanced video analysis tools such as Catapult Vector is game-changing. They can now train more effectively, mitigate injury risks, and develop strategies akin to elite teams.
Other transformative sports technology in the pipeline includes a shift towards smarter training and more personalized player development. AI-driven analytics tools are revolutionizing the way coaches and players prepare for games, practice, and scout talent. These tools help analyze game footage to identify patterns and predict future outcomes, boosting the accuracy of coaching and player development.
Unified sports technology platforms are reducing the time needed to flip between apps and focus on strategy, ensuring that no data slips through the cracks. For instance, intelligent video software can automatically create highlight reels for each player that align with their specific role and goal, allowing coaches to spend more time coaching rather than sifting through footage.