Technology, fans and the future of sport

Nothing brings people together like sports. Many fans fall in love with their team at an early age, developing a passion that endures over a lifetime. But technology is changing the fan experience; AI and OTT delivery and soon 5G, will dramatically alter how viewers consume sports, at the stadium, at home, or on the go, so how do media companies make fans feel as though they are part of the game?

And there are few moments in people’s lives that are as euphoric as seeing their favourite team or hero win big.

Sport has the power to create loyalty that can be passed down from generation to generation, uniting people around a brand. It inspires people to participate, follow and unite into communities of fans.

Technology increasingly brings the potential for disruption. Many traditional revenue streams are under threat as new rights and sponsorship models emerge that compel sports organisations to find alternative sources of income. In the battle for consumer attention, sports organisations are facing fierce competition for fan loyalty.

As the sports industry goes through a period of unprecedented change, the ability to recognise this market disruption and respond effectively is more critical than ever. To succeed, sports businesses must defend and grow their fanbases, and build sustainable business models that ensure ongoing profitability

While the world watched, IBM and Wimbledon put smart to work. Here's how:

"Leatherhead Football Club or ‘The Tanners’ as they are known, play in the 7th tier of English Football and are made up of delivery drivers, car salesmen and shop assistants. While it may not seem like your typical AI cohort, the club’s management began working with IBM Watson early this season to provide pre- and post-match analysis, as well as opposition scouting, to coaches and players, alike.

A key challenge when working with any new technology is complexity. For Leatherhead’s management team of Nikki Bull and Martin McCarthy, ease of use of the technology was critical, as they and their team would have little time to learn the nuances of the programs.

IBM’s solution? Artificial intelligence."