ChatGPT has recently gained considerable attention, and all indications are that 2024 will be a major year for both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Web3, the next generation of the internet. This expectation comes from a study released by IMG that examines the technological developments expected to make their mark on the sports world in 2024.
The study indicates that the way we experience games in stadiums will continue to evolve with the help of new fan-focused digital technologies and operational advances enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. These include intelligent systems for better stadium management, such as more efficient control of lighting and heating, which not only make the stadium experience more pleasant for fans but can also help sell more products at nearby shops and bars.
Expansion of Web3 and Artificial Intelligence
IMG's experts are watching Web3, which promises to change the internet as we know it by enabling greater interaction and personalization through its decentralized structure. They believe this will transform how we enjoy sports, with immersive experiences that will change how sports are watched and played.
In 2024, the technology is expected to be ready to deliver innovations such as 360-degree broadcasts, making fans feel as though they are inside the game even when far away. The study also sees a promising future for AI in the world of sports, both for creating new types of content and exploring new commercial opportunities.
AI is also expected to be essential in making digital platforms more personalized from this point forward. In addition, the study predicts the rise of the "mega-influencer," with athletes, celebrities, and investors having an even greater impact on the sports industry.
Growth of Women's Football
Another highlight of the study is the advancement of women's football, especially on technology platforms. Growing interest in the sport, combined with a fan base that loves technology, places women's football in an excellent position to take advantage of the opportunities created by the digital era in sports and its market trends.
More specifically, this constantly connected audience attracts many commercial partners. Fans of women's football, for example, are 20% more likely to subscribe to streaming services than fans of men's sports.
As an example of women's football's growth on digital platforms, the NWSL, the US women's football league, launched its own global streaming service, increasing the value of its broadcasting rights fortyfold through an agreement with Endeavor Streaming.
