The world of sports is always changing and expanding, and one of its biggest influences is undoubtedly technology. Technology impacts the way we carry out various activities and even engage with each other, and the sports world is not exempt. In fact, the sports world is often one of the first adopters of various technologies, and 2025 has seen an abundance of this.
If you work in the sports sector or are simply a fan, you want to know about the different ways the industry is embracing technology. In this article, we touch on some of these:
One of the most obvious impacts of technology on the sports world this year has been the use of digital platforms to place wagers on various games. Fans of all walks of life are looking online for the best sportsbooks to bet on their favorite games. And the appeal of these platforms is clear: they can be done from anywhere in the world, have generous bonuses, and much more.
This has set an industry standard that is not going away anytime soon, with players seeking variety as well as convenience. And as the market grows, players will continue to have options.
Sports, for as long as it has existed, have been communal activities, and few things are quite as rewarding as connecting with others who love the same game as you. Technology, specifically social media, has created more avenues for fans to make these connections. Dedicated accounts on platforms like TikTok and Twitter/X mean that fans can converse about games, players, teams, and everything in between.
The rise of blockchain technology has also helped, specifically with the rise of fan tokens. These cryptos come with special benefits for holders and can even serve as a means of investing. Top teams like Paris Saint-Germain have launched their own tokens to much success, and others are following suit.
Outside of actually watching the games, few things bring people together like discussing, analyzing, and debating them. Most of us can recall hours spent arguing stats and performances with friends and family. And now, with technology, all stakeholders can get real-time and high-quality analysis of various games. New AI systems can track player movements and offer breakdowns of speed, specific moves, and much more.
For coaches, this means strategies and training regimens can be much more efficient. For fans, it means a closer connection to the game and even more discourse with loved ones.
Most of us are already familiar with AR and VR technology, such as headsets and how they are applied in the gaming sphere. Sports-driven games have existed for decades, and these technologies mean that fans can have a more immersive experience and put themselves in the players’ POV.
But did you know that these are also being used for training efforts as well? Players can leverage them to test out play strategies while simulating actual games. Not only does this help with planning, but it could potentially reduce the chance of injury.
For sports fans all over the world, a major pain point is merchandise of their favorite teams. From verifying that they are buying the real thing to customization, there are several hurdles to overcome. But technologies of all kinds are working to address these issues.
First, blockchain technology has been used by teams like the Sacramento Kings to verify physical items and strengthen fan trust. AR and VR technology is also being offered for fans who want to customize kits, jerseys, and so on. From the point of purchase, they can see how these items will look and can make a more informed decision.
The world of sports does not stay stagnant but instead continues to evolve alongside the technologies that we use. 2025 has seen heavy use of AI, AR and VR, blockchain, and other forms of technology to enhance the sports world on different levels. 2026 and beyond will likely see not just continued use of these technologies but even more evolution as new ones come into focus. All this, of course, will be for the benefit of players, coaches, teams, and the fans.