How VR Will Transform the Global Sports Landscape
Your favorite team is scheduled to play this afternoon…
But the match is hundreds of miles away, and you don’t have tickets.
Over 70 years ago, fans would tune in on the radio to hear the play-by-play commentary. Then came the popularization of broadcast sports, bringing live football to homes around the world.
In the decades that followed, sports viewership evolved through mobile apps, streaming platforms, social media engagement, and more. Despite these innovations, however, nothing has quite matched the energy and immersion of watching live from the stadium.
Until now.
Today’s AR/ VR Landscape
At present, AR/VR headsets are far from mainstream. With high costs, significant barriers to entry, and limited use cases, both development and adoption are proceeding at a slow pace.
Despite the current market conditions, industry leaders like Apple and Meta are continuing to invest billions in R&D. In mid-2024, however, Apple began shifting their focus from high-end models to more affordable alternatives.
This pivot represents an industry-wide shift that could have significant implications within the sports industry by driving widespread adoption.
The “Third Dimension” of Sports Viewership
To date, sports viewership remains one of the most compelling use cases for AR/VR headsets. While consumer adoption has been slow, leaders across the tech, television, and sports landscapes have been partnering to advance VR sports experiences.
Although these immersive opportunities are limited to specific sporting events at the moment, their popularity is expected to rise dramatically as VR adoption expands.
For our initial example, fans could feel as if they’re seated at the center line despite being hundreds of miles away. In turn, they could watch the game from the same perspective as an in-person spectator with premium tickets.
If VR eclipses traditional television as the preferred mode of sports viewership, the implications would extend far beyond the digital realm.
Driving Infrastructure Development
Currently, at-home viewers are limited to the camera angles, commentary, and on-screen graphics of today’s sports networks. In VR, however, spectators can look around the stadium as if they’re sitting in the stands.
As a result, capital allocation decisions for in-person stadiums could change drastically to cater to these virtual spectators. This includes:
• Higher premiums for in-person banners and sponsorships
• Investment in a more robust 5G infrastructure for smoother streaming
• Advancements in audio-visual systems and stadium screens
• Greater emphasis on intermission entertainment
• Hybrid events to cater to a broader audience
• And more
Although the impact of VR viewership is yet to be seen, these changes could extend to stadiums, arenas, and venues on the global stage.
Connecting with Industry-Leading Consultants
By keeping an eye on the adoption rate of today’s AR/VR headsets, proactive investors and leaders can plan for tomorrow’s opportunities. As you prepare to pivot, our team at Sharp Minds can connect you with vetted consultants with multidisciplinary expertise in both the tech and sports industries.
For inquiries, we invite you to reach out. Call us at +971 50 208 7537 or send us an email at joerg@sharpminds.iotoday. Thank you for reading!
