TL; DR: This blog is a quick review of the latest impact of technology in sports. The article presents the latest applications of information technology in sports, including enhanced digital sports fan engagement, predictive analytics, and generative AI. 

How would a Serena Williams analogy work in the tech industry? Have you wondered? What would best reference the history of the Williams sisters to describe that level of greatness in the realm of technology? This question is perhaps partially answered with the seven and 23-time Grand Slam title winners’ most recent investment in high-tech. The pair have secured the first team ownership out of six teams total in Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy’s Golf League. 

The tennis legends have once again made the news with what this league’s partner, the PGA tour, has presented as the “new tech-forward, primetime, team golf league.” The sisters just got us thinking about the newest and most tech-forward sports tech trends with their recent backing of Tiger’s tech-infused golf league.  

We’re letting this event set the perfect stage for us to explore the impact of technology in sports today. Let's get the ball rolling on the latest tech trends in the sports industry.  

Technology in Sports: A Driving Force behind Optimal Performance 

Sports technology is simply a key driver of optimized performance for athletes at all levels. Technology advances in sports bring otherwise unattainable and unthinkable insight to the table. From optimal training zones to real-time soil inclination levels in mountain biking or jump performance and landing impact in volleyball, for example, a countless number of variables can be monitored with devices that can track and assist an enormous number of the 8,000 individual and collective sports that exist around the world. 

Video assistant referees and replay systems, for instance, have also made an insurmountable difference in world cups and international events of the highest caliber for years in a row now, clarifying errors and tough decisions in the middle of the most exciting of diverse events in a matter of minutes or seconds.  

Yet, how has technology evolved beyond the impressive communication that radio receivers have allowed the NFL for half a century, for example, to 2023’s latest sports tech trends? We’re primarily tackling this question next.  

What Are the Latest Technology Advances in Sports This Year? 

Remember the above- mentioned Williams sisters´ new investment? Called a tech-forward venue, the project is based on what the PGA Tour calls a “first-of-its-kind experience” There’s a reason why this virtual experience is topping 2023 sports tech news.   

Above everything else, digitalization is a key factor for fitness, health, and wellness businesses. The Financial Times’ account of Cesar Calvahlo’s Gympass journey, for example, describes an incredible turn for this entrepreneur’s company. His business went from a walk-in structure pre-pandemic to digital solutions that allowed it to grow stronger during COVID-19.  

Here are a few other verticals impacting sports technology now: 

Enhanced Digital Sports Fan Engagement  

Optimizing how brands interact with fans, digital sports fan engagement is strongly tied to business needs, potential revenue, and income. Whether related to specific events or around-the-clock services, mobile and desktop applications are creating sustained channels for lasting connections with sports fanatics. Tackling the latest in software development, new means and methods easily flourish with seasoned, tech-savvy teams for increased rapport with different sports organizations.  

Predictive Analytic Implementations 

With predictive analysis software, data and algorithms are aided by past sports performance analysis to make insightful predictions about the future. Consider how this impacts sports betting and statistics, especially related to fan engagement. Data collection, use, and distribution are already great concerns in the sports industry and leave a great margin for profitable business decisions next for leading IT solution providers.

Data Analytics in Sports Betting 

 From predictive analytics to real-time data feeds, Sports betting has experienced a significant transformation through technological advancements. Now, fans can access insights about game history and other relevant factors that impact the outcome of a match through various tools. 

In this way, data analytics simplifies how we access large amounts of information and how we can increase our chances of winning with the least possible risk in terms of the money invested in betting. 

The Use of Generative AI in Sports Technology 

Deemed a “game-changer in the world of technology and beyond,” generative AI brings the best of machine learning to the forefront of our sports fields, as well. Perhaps the biggest beauty of fully integrating generative AI in sports is the unimaginable and unique results this can bring to any company. 

From chatbot configurations to the latest trends, supported community management, more solid predictions, and even game coverage, high-level content can be produced on the spot for enhanced sports coverage, along with ultimate business strategies that can make a meaningful difference for any business partner. 

LeagueApps: One of Nearsure’s Greatest Work Samples of Technology Used in Sports 

As a prime example of our work, we’d now like to share our collaboration with the leading youth sports management platform, LeagueApps. The company provides youth sports organizations with the technology they need to succeed— helping them manage and grow their clubs, camps, tournaments, and leagues.   

At Nearsure, we’ve come through for LeagueApps with software quality testing and software development experts by supporting their team expansion with Latin American talent. In the client’s own words: 

“Nearsure was selected among others because of its client-driven culture, flexibility in accommodating our requests, ability to find people with unique skills, and human resources working during the same business hours as the majority of our company.” 

Our tech-savvy remote teams have assisted with automation coverage, boosting their web apps via Cypress, while also contributing to their mobile iOS and Android native apps via Appium. 

Our team at Nearsure has experienced substantial growth working with LeagueApps, increasing by 166% in 2023 from 3 to 8 developers by July. This is a testament to our strong and enduring partnership, one we’re proud to continue nurturing for mutually sustained growth well into 2023 and beyond. 

Seizing Sports Tech Trends to Boost Your Business Processes 

Regardless of the precise choice we make for the latest tech implementations and advances in sports, one aspect we know to be true today is that, without technology, many areas of our growing sports culture would be unthinkable. Having solved many challenges in the sports industry, new technologies in sports have already solved countless problems that are progressively boosting what the human species can achieve when it comes to overall sports performance.  

We no longer run the same lengths at the same speed or jump the same heights as the records set by our top world athletes fifty years ago. Sports technology is largely to thank for that.  

What do you think about all the latest tech implementations presented here in terms of sports, however? Are these innovators jumping the gun or seizing timing, in your opinion? Your thoughts are meaningful to us in these discussions. Let’s keep talking.