From predictive analysis software to esports league expansion, sports technology trends continue to reshape how fans engage with sport, athletes train and play, and how the industry generates value. But the momentum behind emerging technologies also puts new pressure on sports organizations to ensure their operational tech stacks are up to speed and capable of meeting their growth goals. To succeed, they’ll need to reframe how they approach technology adoption and prioritize long-promised impacts like fan personalization and immersive sports experiences.
Tech-enhanced athlete monitoring is a major trend, as we’re beginning to understand more about what happens inside the body of an elite athlete during and after a game. Devices like Riddell’s Axiom football helmet or instrumented mouthguards from companies like HITIQ can detect head impact telemetry, helping to reduce concussion risk and inform return-to-play protocols. More data is also coming into the hands of coaches, enabling them to optimize training and predict when athletes might be at risk of injury.
Smart integration of athlete equipment is another key development, with apparel and shoes integrating sensors and responsive materials. Adidas’s 4DFWD running shoes, for example, use humidity-reactive vents to lower core body temperature and improve airflow, while Wilson’s X Connected Basketball uses sensor data to measure shot arc and rotation.
VR is also playing a big role in sports, from virtual coaching sessions to immersive out-of-stadium events. Platforms like Cosm bring a stadium-like experience to spectators, leveraging high-resolution wraparound screens and spatial audio systems to create an engaging, interactive sports viewing experience. And phygital platforms, such as Zwift, convert stationary workouts into multiplayer virtual races that combine athletic performance with gamification.