With advancements in technology constantly being made, the way sports are played, broadcasted, and consumed is all set to change significantly within the next decade. With that in mind, here are a few of the ways technology is presenting itself in the sporting industry and the effect it’s going to have on both athletes and spectators.
Immersive Viewing Experiences
Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) have been becoming more and more sophisticated in recent years, and whilst the trend hasn’t had the immediate effect that many thought it might, it’s still set to play a significant role in the way we consume content, particularly when it comes to sports.
Fans can now get a fully immersive experience from the comfort of their living rooms, allowing them to feel connected to the action without being physically at a stadium. This technology in particular could make a significant difference to those less able to attend live events due to disability or illness.
It’s not just the fans that benefit from VR technology, but the athletes too. VR can create simulations that allow athletes to practice in conditions that mimic real environments but without the physical risk of injury.
Advanced Refereeing
Not only is sport being transformed in the way we consume it as fans, but also in the way the game is adjudicated. For example, within rugby union during the 2025 Six Nations, officials began using ‘Touchfinder’ technology to identify the exact point a ball crossed the touchline. It’s incredibly likely that we’ll see more of this kind of technology in the future, particularly in the rugby space at upcoming sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Enhanced Strategies and Sophisticated Tactics
Possibly the most notable change in the sporting world is the use of technology to optimize team and individual athlete performances. Nowadays, tracking important metrics such as fitness levels and accessing in-depth analysis of the opposition are all second nature. As technology continues to evolve, coaches and players will be able to delve deeper into various metrics, further improving the way sports are performed.
Will Technology Begin to Have a Negative Effect on Sports?
So far, technology has drastically enhanced the way sports are played and enjoyed, by creating more tactical games, providing more immersive experiences, and ensuring more accurate refereeing. With the future of technology becoming more and more unpredictable in terms of its capabilities, it’s difficult to say whether or not it could one day have a negative impact on sports as we know them. But, for now, technology only seems to be improving sports for its fans.
