The Use of AI in Sports

Figure 1 AI is helping teams and players with performance - Source: Unsplash

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major tool in all kinds of industries now and the world of sports has not escaped the rise of what is now a global phenomenon. Athletes, teams, leagues, and even fans have all benefited from the ways this new technology can help improve sports. Whether you are playing or watching sports --- or even simply betting on the games - there is a good chance your experience has been affected by AI.

Although there are still concerns in some quarters about the way that AI has become so prevalent in all walks of life, there is also no doubt that there are huge benefits to enjoy from its implementation. Some of the ways AI increases the enjoyment of sports might not even be easily noticed by watching fans but its influence is growing all the time.

This article will look at some of the ways that AI has become integral to sports - and the sports industry. This is an ever-evolving area of technology and there seems to be no limit to the ways AI can benefit the experience in the years to come. Becoming knowledgeable about the various AI software applications could be way in to a whole new world of opportunities.

Athlete Performance

One of the ways that AI benefits many different industries is its ability to take in vast amounts of data and analyze those numbers quickly. Whereas sports may have once been considered to have been directed by "know-how" and experience, now professional teams will look to the skills of data analysis to improve performance.

Data relevant to the way athletes perform on the field of play can be collected from live games as well as training sessions, providing coaches with invaluable insights into their rosters. In today's sports world, the difference between winning and losing can be in the fine details and AI-collected data and information can prove crucial.

Injury Prevention

Not all of the data collected from athlete performance thanks to AI will be used to improve performance. In some cases, it can just ensure that an athlete will be able to perform. Any sports coach will tell you that is vitally important to keep your players fit and injury-free - and AI is playing a major role in helping them achieve that end.

By collecting information covering all aspects of an athlete's performance, AI is able to predict the possibility of injuries before they occur. Not only does AI crunch numbers at a level far beyond an individual's potential, it can also help coaches and medical staff manage workloads and prepare preventative workouts and training regimes.

Revenue Streams

Not all of the work AI does for sports organizations is immediately noticeable on game day. Sports media rights is one of the main money-making areas of the industry, with exceptional growth in the last five years. With more high-profile streaming platforms getting in on the action, licensing rights have provided a tidy income for leagues and teams alike.

The auction for media rights has been around for a long time, of course - and well before AI was even first dreamt up. But with more interest in shorter highlights packages ideal for social media - and the sheer amount of content available - AI can search libraries far quicker and find suitable content for media buyers in a much more efficient way.

Scouting

Sports teams at all levels have come a long way from looking to their immediate location for the talent to fill their rosters. With so many of the top leagues and sports using scouts to recruit potential future superstars at younger ages, being able to identify that talent before any other team is a crucial part in achieving success.

Teams and leagues may have widened the net when it comes to scouting athletes but that only means that there is much more information and data to process to find the right individuals. AI is able to step in here and provide a vital tool and to reduce the risk in finding athletes who can prove themselves in pro sports.

Stadium Management

Sports teams and organizations are increasingly interested in improving the fan experience and have been able to utilize AI in making everything as smooth as possible. By collecting information, stadium management teams can better understand fan behavior - and that can help in a variety of ways.

It could be as simple as easing the flow of supporters around a stadium or making sure that the right amount of concession stands are open at any time. Safety measures are obviously enhanced by this kind of AI modeling, and anything that makes the experience more enjoyable and stress free is to be desired.

Figure 2 AI is able to turn raw data into ways to improve almost every aspect of sports - Source: Unsplash

The Future of AI and Sports

Wider society has already taken on the use of AI on a personal, small-scale level and the world of sports has fully embraced this emerging and fast-evolving technology. There may be questions and concerns about data privacy and implementation of AI in the years to come but there is no doubt that it will continue to play an important role in all aspects of sports.

Becoming immersed in AI is an excellent way to become involved in sports these days and that can provide a range of employment and developmental opportunities. Although AI is already firmly established in sports, we are still at the beginning of its journey - and it is exciting to anticipate what might still be in store.