The Future of Sport and AI

A Foresight Report for G42

Case Studies

The Future Laboratory was commissioned by G42, a global leader in AI and cloud computing, to create a landmark report on AI’s role in reshaping the sports industry. The project set out to define the future of sport across five pillars: Strategy and Tactics, Talent, Engagement, Health and Performance, and Design.

By 2032, it is estimated that the global AI in sports market will reach just under $30bn – setting in motion a change in thinking that promises to reshape how we compete, consume and connect with sports. From data-driven strategies to real-time coaching insights, the impact is already being felt across the board – and it is only set to grow.

At The Future Laboratory, we recently partnered with G42 to explore this exciting future. Our research uncovered the extent to which AI-driven capabilities will augment expert teams and bring improved outcomes across the pillars of Strategy and Tactics, Talent, Engagement, Health and Performance, and Design.

As sports continue to integrate AI, they offer a testbed for technologies that will eventually touch other areas of life. Already, the vast amounts of data generated in sport create an ideal environment for AI engineers to innovate. According to Rory Smith, global sports correspondent for The New York Times: ‘Sport always jumps head first into everything. Because everyone is focused on gaining an edge, it’s a natural environment to experiment with new technology.’

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Published by:

4 November 2024

Author: Alex Hawkins

Image: AI Imagery by The Future Laboratory

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Alongside Smith, the report features commentary from leading voices across sports and technology, including the International Olympic Committee’s chief information and technology officer Ilario Corna and the University of Salzburg’s senior scientist Dr Fabio Richlan. G42’s own thought-leaders, such as Analog AI founder Alex Kipman and Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham, also bring their forward-looking insights to the project.

Through this foresight report, The Future Laboratory and G42 provide a critical framework for understanding AI’s impact on sports and beyond – mapping out a future in which AI’s potential is felt by athletes, teams and fans alike.

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Inside the Report

: AI + Strategy and Tactics
Collaborating for Competitive Edge

Human intuition and creativity are merging with AI-powered insights to forge a new level of sports intelligence. In this future, the best strategies and tactics will blend machine-driven data analysis with human decision-making, setting a new standard for competitive advantage.

: AI + Talent
Revolutionizing Team Dynamics

By predicting player interactions and improving collective performance, AI has a role to play in future team dynamics. AI is already helping coaches build unified teams and reduce individualistic play through analyzing the context of player contributions.

: AI + Engagement
Enhancing Fan Experiences

AI will strengthen fan engagement through personalized content and emotionally attuned experiences. Advanced technologies like deep learning and natural language processing will soon enable AI to create interactive moments that bring fans closer to the action.

: AI + Health and Performance
Unlocking Athletic Excellence

AI is reshaping athletic training and health management, offering new insights into physical performance and injury prevention. With AI’s guidance, athletes and coaches can fine-tune every aspect of training, pushing human capabilities to new heights.

: AI + Design
Boosting Innovation in Sports Design

In its acceleration of the design process, AI is empowering sports organizations to innovate faster and more effectively. As AI optimizes prototyping and product testing, it will allow designers to focus more on creativity while enhancing the quality of equipment and environments.
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