The revolution in sports management through technology and sport

Digital innovations have arrived to optimize processes and improve productivity in those sectors that are successfully adapting them. The world of sport is a perfect example of this—technology and sport—as discussed below: what are the main advantages of adopting technological advances in this field?

The figures are clear: the sports sector already represents 3.3% of Spain’s GDP, with a turnover exceeding 2.1 billion euros. It employs more than 400,000 people, and gyms and fitness centers continue to open new facilities every year dedicated to physical exercise and fitness. In fact, there are already more than 4,500 sports centers in Spain. These figures, from a study by one of the subsidiaries of Grupo Planeta specializing in business, make it clear: this is a rapidly expanding field, and much of the progress achieved is thanks to the optimized use of new technologies.

In recent years, networks, the internet, and the applications being developed have allowed activities such as sport to progress faster and more efficiently. The key? Understanding the relationship between technology and sport and knowing how to choose the tools that are truly effective in each case, as explained below.

What is the use of technology in sport?

There are many applications of technology in sport. In general terms, the following aspects stand out when it comes to the use of technology in sport:

1. Innovation in products for users, both professional and amateur.
2. Optimization of resources, both human and material, within sports organizations.
3. Improved corporate management.
4. Anticipating and predicting situations/scenarios in order to act accordingly.
5. Data management and application of information obtained to meet needs or prevent risks, among other uses.

The ways to take advantage of innovation in this field are virtually endless, making professionals who understand the relationship between sport and technology especially valuable. At EAE Business School Barcelona, the Master in Sports Management is designed precisely to train highly qualified profiles for sports management, addressing it through four areas:

• Management of sports facilities
• Event organization
• Audiovisual rights
• Brand management

In all these areas, technological developments are key allies. Hence the importance of understanding in depth the relationship between sport and technology.

Advantages of technology in sport

At this point, it is important to clearly define the benefits of bringing digital innovation into the sports sector. These are the main advantages of applying technology in sport:

• Collecting and managing data for analytics and forecasting to improve business performance. Big Data also has excellent applications in sport.
• More precise and reliable decision-making, supported by tracking apps, cameras capturing movement, and sensors monitoring athletes’ health, among others.
• Enhanced performance for both individuals and organizations, through simulation systems, training equipment, and advanced materials tailored to specific activities.

The best way to understand these advantages of technology in sport is by looking at real-world examples currently being used in the market.

Examples of technology applications in sport

From theory to practice. One very clear and widely used example—both among professionals and amateurs—is mobile applications. There are many types, integrated into smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, allowing users to measure a wide range of data that can later be analyzed to improve training and performance.

Another example is player tracking systems, used in sports such as football, basketball, and handball. These systems help coaches better understand player characteristics and make data-driven decisions.

Another innovation is nanotechnology, which has led to lighter surfboards, water-repellent swimming suits, and golf balls with improved trajectory precision. These are innovations that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

7 new technologies in sport

Several technologies are already transforming the sports industry. Here are seven of the most relevant new technologies:

• Sports equipment: clothing and accessories that enhance athlete performance.
• Multimedia in extreme conditions: video and image capture in highly challenging environments.
• Real-time technical assistance for sports such as athletics and football.
• Carbon nanotechnology for ultra-light and highly resistant equipment such as shoes, rackets, bicycles, and golf clubs.
• Biomimetics: designing sports materials inspired by nature, such as plant or animal structures.
• Robotics: used in training, including robotic opponents and machines that simulate sports scenarios.
• Reactive materials that change properties upon impact to better protect users.

Sport and technology: an evolving relationship

The feedback loop between sport and technological advances is constant and evolving. Given the pace of digital innovation, these developments continuously transform the sports sector. Professionals working in this field must stay up to date with emerging trends and know how to apply them effectively within their organizations or with the athletes they work with.