How IoT is a Game Changer for the Sports Industry

Technology has dramatically improved the ways in which the modern-day fan is able to connect with the teams and players they follow

22:23 12 May 2021

IoT, or “The Internet of Things” has been around since the early 2000’s, but it is only within the last few years that technological advancements have made it possible for people to tap into its many benefits.

 

When it comes to understanding the exciting, budding technology, the definition of IoT can largely be determined by its name. Essentially, it refers to an intricate system of objects or “things” that are collected without the need for human facilitation, and contain sensors and helpful data from the internet.

 

Nowadays, IoT is redefining the physical space of many sectors around the world. One of these, the business of sports, is benefitting in several different ways for both fans and athletes. In this article, we take a look at this digital powerhouse’s current role in the industry.

 

Increased Fan Engagement

 

IoT is making it easier than ever before for sports enthusiasts to enjoy everything they love about being a fan. One instance of this is the implementation of smart stadiums throughout the U.S. and beyond. As its name suggests, these facilities’ main goal is to engage supporters no matter where they may be seated in a packed-out arena.

 

They are doing this by incorporating high-tech video displays, scoreboards, and televisions as well as mobile app functions which alert guests on various happenings within the stadium. This can include everything from how long the concession stand line is to parking availability, and perhaps most importantly, live coverage, stats and instant replays.

 

In addition to these huge venue innovations, people are also experiencing the benefits of IoT when it comes to another common activity for fans: sports betting. Online providers are able to tailor their platforms to the user’s interest, all thanks to IoT. For example, a basketball supporter who is browsing through top NBA picks in preparation for the Finals will have a more efficient virtual experience because IoT is at work, storing data when the fan logs in. This not only saves the person time, but also strengthens the relationship and trust between customer and provider, allowing the company to see how they can improve their services and make them more personal for every user at hand.

 

Aid with Players’ Development

 

Moving away from fans and onto players, IoT is serving both professional and amateur athletes in huge ways. Firstly, now that the industry has access to wearable technology and digital sensors which store analytics, coaches can measure their team’s overall and individual performances in real-time.

 

This stored data can be referred to at any time, allowing management to have a better insight into the things the organization must improve upon to succeed. In both basketball and soccer, this can be seen through balls which gather and track information concerning things such as goals or shots taken, made, or missed. These devices are also used in training to create more efficient exercise routines and strategies.

 

With IoT, coaches can collect data on a certain player’s performance easily and efficiently

 

Improved Player Safety

 

In the same way that sports equipment is being embedded with technology that supports IoT, so is sports gear that athletes don while playing and practicing. Nowadays, physical therapists and coaches are given accurate health data on athletes that can help reduce future injuries and solve current ones.

 

These sensors can track everything from muscle movements to heart rate acceleration and more. In many ways, IoT’s ability to improve player safety is a vital component of the technology as injuries can be a leading cause for an organization’s eventual failure or success. If these advancements are able to advise coaches on which adjustments need to be made to a player’s schedule for the sake of their own career, it could also benefit the team as a whole.

 

One fact remains: technology is transforming countless industries and the world of sports is just one of them. When people begin to embrace these changes, they can start experiencing their many benefits.