Scroll Top

How Technology Modernization is Shaping Professional Sports

videographer watching sports game through camera

In the sports world, technology is no longer a mere accessory but a fundamental driver of innovation. From professional leagues to national sports teams, technology modernization is reshaping the industry, enhancing fan engagement, optimizing athlete performance, and streamlining operations. 

This digital transformation goes beyond adopting new tools; it involves integrating sophisticated systems that offer unprecedented capabilities and insights. The advancements are revolutionizing sports, impacting fans, athletes, and the business of sports. 

App Modernization Services and Development in Sports 

App modernization has become a critical strategy for organizations looking to enhance user experiences and streamline operations. This trend is particularly evident in the sports industry, where the demand for sophisticated, user-friendly applications is growing rapidly. Companies like Presidio are at the forefront of this movement, helping sports organizations leverage technology to stay competitive. 

Modern sports apps have become essential tools for both fans and organizations. These apps are being modernized to provide better user experiences and enhanced functionality. There are two primary categories of sports apps: consumer-facing and backend. 

Consumer-Facing Apps 

Consumer-facing apps deepen fan connections and experiences. For instance, the NFL’s Next Gen Stats app, powered by AWS, provides real-time player tracking data, immersing fans in the game with rich, live statistics. These apps are crucial for engaging today’s tech-savvy audience who demand immediate and detailed insights into their favorite sports, such as: 

  • Real-time updates 
  • Interactive content 
  • Personalized experiences 

These apps keep fans engaged and invested in their teams and players, and often serve as long-term brand building tactics for sports properties and the businesses that surround them. 

Backend Apps 

Backend apps revolutionize operations and management at the league or club level. The integration of real-time stats and AR/VR features can significantly enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes. For example, these apps can streamline player management, facilitate game strategy planning, and improve overall organizational effectiveness.  

Case Study: NHL Draft Experience Modernization 

Presidio partnered with the NHL to modernize their draft experience, showcasing the potential of app modernization in sports and introduced a new NHL Draft Application designed to enhance the entire draft process. This application is the first-of-its-kind for the league, leveraging a hybrid-cloud environment where all information is centralized, synced, and integrated across various facets of the NHL, including Operations, Clubs, Communications, Central Scouting, and Central Registry. 

Modernizing the draft experience involved several key improvements: 

  1. Real-time Access and Updates: The application allows for immediate access to player information and real-time updates for player picks and announcements, ensuring a smooth and efficient draft process. 
  1. Enhanced Workflow and Efficiency: The application optimized the workflow for all users, from team executives to league officials, enabling seamless operations and quick responses to inputs from multiple sources. 
  1. Security and Confidentiality: The new platform significantly improved the security and confidentiality of the draft process, safeguarding sensitive information. 
  1. Integration with Broadcast Partners: The application automated the sharing of selections with the league’s broadcast partners, enhancing the viewer experience.

A crucial component of this modernization effort was the implementation of the Virtual Technical Operations Center (VTOC). VTOC provided a centralized platform for managing the draft’s video and data assets, ensuring seamless integration and real-time updates. This technology enabled the NHL to efficiently handle the large volumes of video content and data generated during the draft, enhancing the overall experience for both internal stakeholders and fans.

This modernized approach not only streamlined the draft process but also showcased the potential of app modernization in sports, highlighting the importance of a robust technology infrastructure to stay competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving sports landscape. As more organizations recognize the benefits of app modernization, the demand for these services continues to grow. Presidio’s expertise in this field positions them as a key partner for sports organizations looking to enhance their digital capabilities and deliver superior experiences to their audiences. 

In-Game Technological Upgrades: Technology Modernization Trends 

In-game technological upgrades are another critical aspect of sports modernization. Advanced technologies are being implemented to improve game management and enhance the viewer experience. Technologies like Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Hawk-Eye have revolutionized the accuracy and fairness of decision-making in sports. 

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) 

VAR provides precise decision-making capabilities for referees in soccer, ensuring that the game’s integrity is maintained at all levels, including U.S. Major League Soccer and European leagues. This technology allows referees to review decisions on goals, penalties, red cards, and more. The use of VAR has significantly reduced the number of controversial decisions, thus enhancing the overall quality and fairness of the game. 

Hawk-Eye Technology 

Hawk-Eye technology, originally developed for cricket, is now used in various sports, including tennis and soccer. This technology tracks the trajectory of the ball and provides visual feedback to officials and spectators, ensuring accurate and transparent decision-making. The adoption of such technologies demonstrates the need for reliable and modern digital infrastructure to support their functionality. 

IT Infrastructure Modernization 

To successfully implement technologies like VAR and Hawk-Eye, sports organizations need to invest in IT infrastructure modernization. This involves upgrading network capabilities to support real-time data processing and delivery. Key areas of focus include: 

  • High-Speed, Resilient Networks: Establishing robust and high-speed networks to ensure seamless data transmission and connectivity across all devices and platforms. These networks are crucial for handling the high data demands of modern sports technologies. 
  • Cloud Solutions: Implementing scalable cloud solutions that provide the flexibility and storage capacity needed to handle large volumes of data. Cloud infrastructure allows for efficient data management and access from anywhere, facilitating real-time decision-making. 
  • Data Security: Enhancing data security measures to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. Modern sports technologies require robust security protocols to safeguard data integrity and privacy. 
  • Real-Time Data Access: Ensuring real-time data access for coaches, referees, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions during games. Reliable data access is essential for leveraging the full potential of in-game technologies. 

For more detailed insights on how to achieve IT infrastructure modernization, check out our Modernize Infrastructure solutions page. 

Technology Modernization Examples: Fan Experience Upgrades in Stadium Technology 

Fans’ digital expectations are higher than ever, and so enhancing the live event experience is a top priority for maintaining fan engagement and satisfaction. Modern stadiums are incorporating cutting-edge technologies to improve the overall fan experience. High-speed Wi-Fi, mobile ticketing, and interactive displays are now standard features in many venues. 

  • High-speed Wi-Fi: AT&T Stadium offers high-speed Wi-Fi that allows fans to stream live content seamlessly. 
  • Mobile ticketing: Provides convenience and reduces wait times for entry. 
  • Interactive displays: Offer fans real-time updates, statistics, and interactive content, further enriching their experience. 

For sports franchises, event management companies, and stadium operators this means a significant focus IT infrastructure modernization to support these new technologies. The demand for infrastructure modernization services is growing as venues strive to offer their visitors the best possible experience. Upgrading network capabilities ensures that high-speed internet is available for fans and operations, implementing advanced security measures protects against cyber threats, and ensuring seamless connectivity allows for uninterrupted and high-quality service delivery during events. These steps are essential in the technology modernization strategy. to meet the high expectations of today’s digitally savvy efans.  

Modernizing IT Infrastructure and Data Intelligence in Sports 

The use of data analytics and modern infrastructure is transforming how sports organizations operate and enhance athlete performance. For instance, wearable technology and performance analytics platforms provide real-time data, allowing for more informed decision-making and training adjustments for athletes. 

Wearable devices, for instance, track a wide range of performance metrics, from heart rate to movement patterns, offering valuable insights into an athlete’s condition and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach plays a key role in maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring athlete health and performance. Coaches and medical staff can use this information to: 

  • Tailor training programs 
  • Prevent injuries 
  • Enhance overall performance 

Modern data infrastructure is needed to handle the vast amounts of data generated by these devices. Companies like Presidio offer cloud app modernization and infrastructure services that enable sports organizations to leverage this data effectively. Implementing scalable cloud solutions, ensuring data security, and providing real-time data access for coaches, medical staff, and other stakeholders are key components of this modernization effort. 

The Role of AI in Sports Technology Innovation 

The future of sports modernization lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is set to revolutionize various aspects of sports, from predictive analytics for game strategies to AI-driven fan engagement.  

AI algorithms can predict player injuries based on data patterns, allowing for preventative measures to be taken before injuries occur. This predictive capability is a game-changer in athlete management and performance optimization. By analyzing historical data, AI can identify risk factors and suggest interventions to reduce injury rates. 

AI can also enhance fan engagement through personalized experiences and content. By analyzing fan behavior and preferences, AI can tailor content and interactions to individual fans, increasing engagement and satisfaction. For example, AI can: 

  • Recommend personalized content 
  • Suggest relevant merchandise 
  • Offer targeted promotions 

Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can engage with fans in real-time, providing instant responses to queries about game statistics, player information, and event schedules. An example of this is the NBA’s use of AI to create personalized highlight packages for fans based on their favorite teams and players, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.

Lead the Charge in Sports Technology Transformation with Presidio  

As the sports industry continues to embrace digital transformation, including legacy app modernization, the role of technology partners becomes increasingly vital. Presidio is at the forefront of this modernization, offering expertise and solutions that drive the sports landscape forward. Our work with the NHL Draft and VTOC exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about how Presidio can help your organization with app and digital modernization and to explore our capabilities. Let’s revolutionize the world of sports together.

+ posts
Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.