Sports technology is reshaping how fans engage, athletes perform, and sports generate value. The emergence of dedicated sports tech venture capital funds highlights the sector’s maturation and long-term potential, while the IPO landscape shows signs of revival after a slump during the pandemic.
Athletes are using cutting-edge devices to track and improve performance, training, and injury prevention. GPS-tracking systems like Catapult Vector enable coaches to optimize workouts by analyzing distance, sprint load, and player exertion. Wearables like the Oura Ring monitor heart rate and sleep patterns to enhance recovery and wellness programs. And pressure-mapping technologies like those developed by Plantiga and Driveline Baseball reduce injury risks by analyzing gait and jump load asymmetries.
These innovations and others — including VR, data analytics, and athlete management platforms — are empowering teams to make smarter decisions that drive growth. Taking advantage of these trends will give sports organizations the tools they need to draw fans closer through innovative and personalized experiences.
In addition to improving player safety, these technology advances are reshaping coaching techniques. For example, smart tech connects game videos with practice drills to help coaches spot errors and provide solid tactical advice. Likewise, AI takes it one step further by automating video analysis to let coaches focus on strategy rather than sifting through hours of footage. And adaptive equipment like smart helmets is reducing injury risk by responding to environmental factors, such as heat and humidity. For instance, Riddell’s Axiom football helmet has a head impact telemetry system to identify concussion risks.