15: Technology in Sports: Part 1

“We’re not going to change the purity of the game. We’re just going to enhance the experience in a way bigger than we ever imagined.”

(click to tweet)

Welcome back to Verizon Ventures.

On today’s episode, we are discussing the rise of sporting technologies that enrich the fan experience. From VR headsets to live-streaming in multiple languages, there are many different ways in which tech can be integrated into our sports-viewing paradigm. Joining us are the talented:

• LJ Rader, Product Manager at Verizon
• Jeff Angus, Head of Marketing at Verizon Ventures portfolio company, Playsight

“If you have a Head of Innovation, you’re doing it wrong. Innovation is a department.”

(click to tweet)

Highlights

• Some innovation comes off as gimmick-y
• Innovation is a department, not a single person effort
• Look at PlaySight’s SmartCourt as an example of how innovation intended for one purpose (player development) can be reappropriated for another purpose (live-streaming)
• There’s a trend in sports broadcasting where spectators harness live-streaming platforms like Facebook Live to commentate
• Real Madrid is the most valuable sports team in the world; not because of their fans in Madrid, but because of their fans all over the world
• It’s getting increasingly more expensive to attend live sporting events
• There is still a long way to go with VR before you feel completely in the venue
• The social component of VR will make you able to sit amongst your friends’ avatars
• Look to the chat logs of sporting event live-streams to see the power of social in fan experience
• Broadcast technologies will empower viewers to choose commentator of genre choice (ex: funny vs. tactical/strategic)

“When the technology catches up to the in-person venue experience, that’s when it gets exciting.”

(click to tweet)

Resources

PlaySight SmartCourt https://www.playsight.com/

Full Show Notes at: VerizonVentures.com/podcast