From scouting to player development, digital technology is empowering sports leaders to optimize strategies and grow fan engagement. With AI refining performance analytics and augmented reality (AR) enabling immersive environments, the future of sports is set to be more accessible than ever.

Wearable tech is transforming sports training with granular biometric and physiological data, and a host of smart technologies are making their way into major stadiums. From reducing parking congestion with smart sensors and automated ticket kiosks to streamlining crowd entry through facial recognition systems like Idemia’s MorphoWave Compact, these tools allow for a more seamless experience at sports events.

For example, instrumented mouthguards from companies such as HITIQ help to identify the severity of a hit, which could potentially lead to a reduction in concussions and more responsible return-to-play protocols. Meanwhile, augmented reality can provide players with realistic training scenarios to improve their game.

Moreover, the use of predictive analysis software is helping scouts analyze talent more efficiently, which allows for greater efficiency and more personalized coaching methods. For example, Formula 1 teams are utilizing Vector Core’s predictive analysis software to optimize pre- and post-race strategy.

These new innovations are opening the door for athletes and coaches to customize their training programs in ways never before possible. With a focus on personalization and data-driven analysis, this trend will continue to expand, and is expected to have an impact at all levels of sport. The aggregation of this data will also allow coaches to predict and anticipate outcomes, which could eventually lead to the holy grail of prescriptive analytics that can actually recommend specific actions for an athlete to take.