The Future of Sports Technology: 10 Innovations Reshaping Sport in 2026
- Shane Riddle
- Nov 14, 2023
- 14 min read
Updated: Aug 2
Projection of sports into the future
Last updated: July 2026
Sports technology is revolutionising the world of sports, ushering in a new era of innovation and possibilities. From athletic performance tracking to sports analytics, advancements in sports tech are transforming the way athletes train, fans engage, and sports organisations operate. In this article, we look briefly at the history of technology in sport, then delve into the new technology in sports today, what's available now, what's being trialled and what's proposed as well as explore what the future holds.
What is sports technology? Sports technology is the application of scientific and digital innovation from wearable sensors and data analytics to AI officiating and immersive broadcasting. Improving how athletes train and perform, how officials make decisions, and how fans experience sport. It spans everything from elite competition to community recreation.
Key Takeaways:
AI officiating is available now: Major League Baseball's ABS challenge system went live in 2026, letting players challenge ball and strike calls, settled by Hawk-Eye cameras in seconds.
The Olympics has an AI strategy: The IOC launched its Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024 and put it to work at Paris 2024 with athlete safeguarding, venue digital twins and multi-language highlights.
Wearables have grown from step counts to safety: Instrumented mouthguards, biometric monitoring and smart fabrics now protect athletes as much as they measure them.
The fan experience is being rebuilt: VR, AR overlays, 5G streaming and smart stadiums are changing how sport is watched, in the venue and at home.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Technology in Sport
From the earliest Olympic Games in ancient Greece to the roaring arenas of the modern era, the spirit of sport has remained unbroken, a testament to our enduring passion for physical feats. However, this narrative of athleticism has been significantly transformed by the relentless march of technology, reshaping the way we perceive, participate in, and experience sports.
Not too long ago, the definition of sports technology was perhaps no more sophisticated than the shoes on an athlete's feet or the materials used for a ball. While today's athletes might laugh at the humble origins of their gear, those early innovations were the sparks that ignited the technological revolution we find ourselves in today.
Imagine the awe of spectators in 1948, when photo-finish technology made its Olympic debut. Track and field organisers employed a photo-finish camera at the London Olympic Games, and once formally unveiled, the technology was instrumental in deciding the outcome of other hotly contested races. Fast forward to the present day, where sensors and high-speed cameras capture every nuance of an athlete's performance, enabling precise analysis and optimisation of their techniques.
Below is a table of some of the changes in technology over the years. It's not an exhaustive list but rather gives a visualisation of some of the key breakthroughs.
Year | Technological Advancement | Sport | Country |
1921 | Radio broadcasting | Baseball | United States |
1932 | Official Olympic timekeeping (Omega) | Athletics | United States |
1948 | Photo finish | Athletics | United Kingdom |
1963 | Televised instant replay | American Football | United States |
1968 | Synthetic running track at the Olympics | Athletics | Mexico |
1980 | First large video scoreboard (Mitsubishi Diamond Vision) | Baseball | United States |
1996 | Carbon-fibre running blades (Flex-Foot Cheetah) | Para athletics | United States |
2001 | Hawk-Eye ball tracking | Cricket | United Kingdom |
2007 | Hawk-Eye player challenges debut at Wimbledon | Tennis | United Kingdom |
2012 | Goal-line technology approved | Football | Global |
2013 | 3D printed custom sports equipment | Various | United States |
2013 | First smart sensor basketball (94Fifty) | Basketball | United States |
2015 | Virtual reality training | Various | Various |
2016 | Wearable fitness technology | Various | Various |
2019 | AI judging support system at World Championships (Fujitsu/FIG) | Gymnastics | Germany |
2019 | AI and data analytics | Various | Various |
2019 | Automated ball-strike trials (Atlantic League) | Baseball | United States |
2021 | AI-automated grassroots sports cameras (Pixellot Air) | Various | Israel |
2021 | Smart cricket balls | Cricket | Australia |
2022 | Smart fabrics | Various | Global |
2022 | Biometric athlete monitoring | Various | Global |
2024 | Olympic AI Agenda launched | Various | Global |
2026 | ABS challenge system live in MLB | Baseball | United States |
Over the years, technology's impact on sports has been nothing short of a paradigm shift. Today, we stand at the crossroads of an exhilarating convergence of technology, science and athleticism. This continues to support Kurzweil's Law of Accelerating Returns and suggests we are going to see some exciting developments in sport technology coming up as it shows no signs of slowing down.
So put on your Nike Waffle Trainers, because we're about to take a fascinating tour through the world of sports technology.
10 Sports Technology Trends to Watch
A quick note before we dive in, sport technology moves fast, and it matters whether something is real or merely promised. Throughout this article we distinguish between technology that is available now (in real-world use), technology in prototype or trials, and technology that is proposed or envisioned.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is being used across sport for performance analysis, injury prediction and officiating assistance. Its algorithms process vast amounts of data quickly, surfacing insights human analysis alone may overlook: coaches use them to optimise game strategies, spot patterns in opponents' play and make real-time adjustments during matches, while the same tools help tailor training programmes to an individual athlete's strengths, weaknesses and injury risk.
The release of ChatGPT, Bard, and LLaMA in late 2022 and early 2023 changed the technology environment forever, demonstrating how swiftly AI transforms the world.
That pace has not slowed since this article was first published. In April 2024 the International Olympic Committee launched its Olympic AI Agenda, and at Paris 2024 AI systems monitored millions of social media posts to shield athletes from online abuse, technology that is available now, not a concept. For a deeper look at where all of this is heading, see our full guide to AI in sport.
"Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach sports. By leveraging AI analytics and data-driven insights, teams can gain a competitive edge and make informed decisions that lead to improved performance and success." Chief Information Officer - Shane Riddle
2. Robotics & Robot Officials
Sports employ robotics for training, recovery and, increasingly, officiating. The standout is the exoskeleton, a wearable robotic device that augments strength, agility and endurance. Exoskeletons provide targeted support during rehabilitation, reducing strain on injured areas, and let athletes train realistically while minimising the risk of further injury.
Baseball has led the way, trials of an automated ball-strike system began in the independent Atlantic League in 2019, and after years of minor-league testing, Major League Baseball adopted the ABS challenge system for the 2026 season, a batter, pitcher or catcher can now challenge an umpire's ball or strike call and have it settled by Hawk-Eye cameras in about fifteen seconds. This technology is available now. These systems use artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyse game events in real time, reducing the scope for human error while keeping the final say with the officials. We follow this shift in detail in our guide to the rise of the robot officials.
Athletes can receive assisted rehabilitation workouts from robotic equipment and exoskeletons.
3. Wearable Technology & Performance Analytics
Sports employ wearable gear, including fitness trackers and smartwatches, to monitor performance, avoid injuries, and give feedback. Wearable technology, for instance, can be used to monitor an athlete's respiration rate, heart rate, and other physiological information while they train or compete. For example, shoes can provide realtime feedback on how a runner is performing and their cadence. Information like this can be utilised to help athletes avoid injuries and pinpoint areas in which they can perform better. Furthermore, athletes can make modifications during practice and competition by using wearable gadgets to get real-time performance feedback. One of the clearest recent examples is the instrumented smart mouthguard now worn across rugby and junior Australian football. We cover how the simple mouth guard is becoming one of sport's most important sensor in our smart mouthguard guide.
Wearable technology has played a pivotal role in enabling performance analytics of recent years. I remember being excited just counting steps and now, fitness trackers and smartwatches allow for the collection of precise data on athletes' actions, force, accuracy, and injury risks. This data can be used to monitor training progress, track fatigue levels, and identify potential injury risks. Coaches can leverage this information to tailor training programmes and make data-driven decisions to enhance overall athletic performance. Even the humble poolside stopwatch is being automated, see how Olly Timing is bringing AI to grassroots swim meets.
4. Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR & AR)
Virtual reality gives athletes realistic, repeatable training environments: virtual training grounds and digital twins for honing technique, and 360-degree game scenarios that sharpen spatial awareness, reaction times and decision-making. The same headsets support recovery, giving injured athletes realistic and engaging rehabilitation exercises. Augmented reality complements this on the training ground, overlaying virtual challenges and targets onto familiar, real-world settings.
In my view, the combination of augmented and virtual reality technology is one of the most exciting advances in fan interaction. Fans now have the chance to experience sports like never before thanks to VR and AR. Fans can use virtual reality (VR) headsets to experience games from various viewpoints, such as that of a coach or player, giving them the impression that they are in the centre of the action. AR, on the other hand, overlays digital content onto the real world, allowing fans to view additional information or statistics in real-time while watching a match.
For the home athlete, you can train and be anywhere in the world when doing it. I get up in the morning and jump onto my training cycle and with Zwift I'm instantly with a group riding the streets of Paris on the Tour de France. All while being at home and before I need to head into work! Read our post on how Augmented Reality sport is being applied today.
5. 3D Printing & Sports Engineering
3D printing has moved from curiosity to everyday tool in sport, and it is available now. It is used to produce custom-fit equipment such as helmets, footwear components and protective gear shaped to an individual athlete including bespoke parts for Para sport, from prosthetic components to equipment adaptations, where off-the-shelf gear rarely fits the athlete or the task.
Recently I had the privilege to visit the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), one of the few state institutes of sport with a dedicated sports engineer on staff. Within its Movement Science team, SASI's capabilities include 3D scanning, modelling and printing of prototype parts entirely in-house, an athlete or their equipment is scanned, a part is modelled digitally, and a prototype is printed without the job ever leaving the building. Much of this work centres on equipment adaptations and customisations for Para athletes, and SASI collaborates with the engineering team at the Australian Institute of Sport and seating and innovation specialists at Paralympics Australia to optimise para-sport equipment.
That in-house scan–model–print loop is the real story here. While I was there I saw first hand how it shortens the journey from idea to testable part and puts genuinely customised equipment within reach of far more athletes. I was in awe as I watched in realtime how concept to reality was created with new bicycle parts in a matter of a few hours.
6. Smart Stadiums & the Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is wiring up sport's venues and equipment. Sensors gather environmental data in smart stadiums — temperature, humidity, air quality — alongside performance data from instrumented equipment such as golf clubs and cricket bats, and physiological data from the athletes themselves.
Smart stadiums and sporting facilities are revolutionising the in venue experience for sports fans and customers alike. By leveraging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), stadiums and sporting facilities can offer improved connectivity, fast check-ins, engaging and interactive equipment and enhanced safety measures. For example, crowd sentiment analysis allows stadiums to gauge fan satisfaction in real-time, ensuring a positive experience. Drones are also being used for tasks such as capturing aerial shots in real time of the activity, and are starting to experiment with cleaning and snack delivery, making stadium operations more efficient.
In addition to connectivity and fan satisfaction, smart stadiums are also focused on enhancing safety and efficiency. Smart stadiums are equipped with advanced security systems that utilise cutting-edge technologies like facial recognition and AI-powered surveillance cameras. These technologies enhance the safety and security of fans by monitoring and detecting potential threats in real-time. With these measures in place, fans can enjoy their favourite sporting events with peace of mind.
7. 5G & Immersive Broadcasting
5G's high speeds and minimal latency are changing how sport is watched: live events now stream in high definition to any device with no perceptible lag, bringing remote viewers closer to the action than a broadcast delay ever allowed.
Another technology that is revolutionising the broadcasting experience is virtual reality (VR). With virtual reality (VR) headsets, spectators may become part of the stadium, occupying the best seats and enjoying a 360-degree panorama of the action. Fans' enjoyment and sense of connection to the sport are increased by this immersive experience, which makes them feel like they are a part of the action. Virtual reality (VR) also creates new opportunities for interactive content, such virtual player meet-and-greets or behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms.
Drones add camera angles that were previously impossible, capturing live aerial footage of everything from road cycling to stadium flyovers. And as streaming platforms learn more about their viewers, expect broadcasts to become more personalised and interactive — live polls, alternative commentary feeds and social features layered over the live action.
8. Athlete Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity
As sports technology continues to advance, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important. The vast amounts of data generated and shared within the sports industry present significant risks if not properly protected. Cybersecurity solutions are being developed to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring the privacy and security of athletes, fans and recreational sports participants.
"In today's digital age, protecting customer, athletes and fan data is a top priority for sports organisations," says CIO Shane Riddle. "With the rise of online ticketing, digital engagement, personalised fan experiences, and data-driven analytics, the potential for cyber threats is higher than ever."
To address these concerns, sports organisations are implementing secure ticketing systems, adopting recognised cybersecurity frameworks to lift their cyber maturity, and in some cases introducing CCTV, facial authentication and identity management for entry into stadiums and facilities. These technologies streamline the fan experience, but they carry a new responsibility: the personal data collected along the way is precisely what cyber criminals want to get their hands on.
In addition to protecting customer and fan data, cybersecurity is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of sporting events themselves. Disruption and or interference to sporting events are possible targets for cyber criminals. Measures such as encrypted communication channels and secure broadcasting technologies help prevent unauthorized access and tampering, ensuring fair play and unbiased outcomes.
Data security is a paramount concern in the sports industry. With the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making, protecting sensitive athlete performance data and team strategies is crucial. Sports organisations and facilities are investing in secure data storage systems, implementing encryption protocols, and conducting regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities as well as lifting overall cyber maturity. Who actually owns and controls this information is fast becoming one of sport's defining questions, one we explore in our guide to athlete biometric data rights.
9. Sustainable Sports Technology
The sports industry is increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability. Sports organisations and facilities are implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact and promote environmental responsibility. From the use of renewable energy sources to the implementation of recycling programmes, the focus on sustainability extends across all aspects of sports events and facilities.
Eco-friendly stadiums and facilities are at the forefront of sustainable practices in the sports industry. These stadiums and facilities are designed and operated with a focus on minimising their carbon footprint and preserving natural resources. They incorporate energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels and energy management systems, to reduce energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, eco-friendly stadiums prioritise water conservation through the use of water-efficient fixtures and recycling systems, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.
Examples of Benefits and the Eco-Friendly Stadiums
Waste reduction and recycling: South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, South Australia
Reduced energy consumption: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Water conservation: Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia
Waste reduction: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom
Promoting sustainability in sports requires, among other things, the use of renewable energy sources. To address their energy needs, sports groups are utilising sustainable energy technologies like solar and wind power. Sports facilities may dramatically lower their greenhouse gas emissions and help create a more environmentally friendly future by embracing clean, renewable energy sources.
"We believe that investing in renewable energy is not only crucial for protecting the environment but also a sound business decision. It allows us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on energy costs" - Adam Luscombe General Manager South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre
10. eSports & Competitive Gaming
eSports has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its competitive and immersive nature. eSports, which are driven by cutting-edge technology like computer vision and machine learning, provide players and spectators with an exciting gaming experience. eSports, with its increasing global appeal, is expanding the realm of virtual reality's capabilities.
Within the realm of eSports, computer vision is essential to improving the standard of online gaming. By integrating computer vision algorithms, game creators may create visually attractive and lifelike virtual settings that transport players into a whole new universe. The gaming experience is enhanced beyond measure by computer vision technology, which produces lifelike animations and intricate images.
Machine learning also plays a crucial part in eSports, enabling intelligent and adaptive gameplay. Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, including player behaviour and strategies, to provide insights and improve game dynamics. This not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also allows players to develop new skills, strategies, and tactics.
"eSports startups are at the forefront of innovation in gaming, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the virtual world." Shane Riddle, Chief Information Officer
These are just a few of the emerging technologies that are being used in sports today. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications in the future
What has changed since we first published
This article first appeared in November 2023, which makes it a useful scorecard. Since then,
robot umpires went from minor-league trials to a live challenge system across Major League Baseball;
the IOC launched the Olympic AI Agenda and put it to work at Paris 2024;
wearables matured from fitness trackers into safety equipment, with instrumented mouthguards adopted in elite collision sports. Meanwhile, blockchain ticketing, one of 2023's louder promises remains niche. We keep this article updated as the landscape moves.
Final Thoughts
The world of sports is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to the advancements in sports technology and the exciting innovations that lie ahead. Technological advancements are revolutionising all aspects of sports operations, including training methods for athletes, spectator experiences during games, customer participation in recreational sports, and performance analytics.
There are countless opportunities in store for sports technology in the future. We may anticipate a future in which sports will continue to enthrall and inspire us, both on and off the field, as we embrace these innovations and trends. Put on your wearable technology, immerse yourself in the world of sports, and get ready for an exciting future!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the future of sports technology?
A: The near future of sports technology is defined by AI — in officiating, performance analysis and the fan experience — alongside maturing wearables, immersive broadcasting and growing scrutiny of who owns athlete data. The technologies gaining ground fastest are the ones that assist humans rather than replace them.
Q: What is the ABS challenge system in baseball?
A: The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system lets a batter, pitcher or catcher challenge an umpire's ball or strike call. Twelve Hawk-Eye cameras track the pitch and the result appears on the videoboard in about fifteen seconds. After years of minor-league trials, it went live across Major League Baseball at the start of the 2026 season.
Q: Are robot referees replacing human officials?
A: Not yet — and possibly not ever. The trend across sports is assistive technology: human officials keep the final say, with systems such as ABS, goal-line technology and video review correcting clear errors. MLB deliberately chose a challenge format over full automation to preserve the human element of the game.
Q: How was AI used at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
A: The IOC launched its Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024. At the Games, AI monitored millions of social media posts to protect athletes from online abuse, powered digital twins of venues for planning and energy management, and generated highlights in multiple languages.
Q: What sports technology can everyday athletes use today?
A: Plenty of it is available now: smartwatches, fitness trackers and heart-rate monitors, smart indoor trainers and platforms like Zwift, video analysis apps, and increasingly affordable GPS trackers — all in regular use well beyond the elite level.
Q: Who owns the data that sports technology collects?
A: It's contested. Wearables and biometric monitoring generate valuable personal data, and an athlete's rights over it vary by country, competition and contract. Our guide to athlete biometric data rights covers the current state of play.
