From player performance and injury prevention to fan engagement and revenue growth, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world of sports.
With the global AI in the sports market expected to reach $29.7 billion by 2032, this technology is clearly here to stay.
But what are the latest trends and statistics in AI in sports?
In this article, I’ll present the latest numbers and explore how AI is transforming the industry and what it means for the future of sports.
Get ready to discover the fascinating world of AI in sports and its incredible impact on players, teams, and fans.
General AI in sports statistics
1. The value of the global sports market increased by 5.2% from $480.12 billion in 2023 to $506.93 billion in 2024.
(Research And Markets)
The sports industry is an evergreen one, and several factors have contributed to the growth of the global sports market.
For example, sports are increasingly popular as entertainment, a growing middle class in developing countries, and a rising availability of sports content on digital platforms.
All these and more contribute to the sports industry’s steady growth.
The global sports market includes various segments such as sports media rights, sports apparel and equipment, sports sponsorship, and sports betting.
However, the sports industry did experience a setback. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global sports market in 2020, with many sporting events canceled or postponed and a shift towards digital platforms for sports content consumption.
The global sports market is estimated to increase to $629.81 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.6%.
2. There are about 49 countries involved in the sports market, with North America being the largest region in 2023.
(Research and Markets)
These countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, UK, USA etc.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global sports market.
This is due to the increasing popularity of cricket, soccer, and basketball in countries like China, India, and Australia.
3. The number of live, digital sports viewers in the United States is predicted to increase from 57.5 million in 2021 to over 90 million in 2025.
(Statista)
Digital live sports viewership has increased due to the popularity of streaming services and the convenience of watching live sports on mobile devices.
Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are driving the trend towards digital live sports viewership. They are more likely to consume content on digital platforms than traditional television.
To top it all, live sports streaming services such as ESPN+, DAZN, and Amazon Prime Video capitalize on this trend by offering exclusive live sports content to subscribers.
4. The global market for artificial intelligence in sports is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30.1%, increasing from $2.2 billion in 2022 to $29.7 billion in 2032
(Allied Market Research)
The use of AI in sports is not limited to professional sports but is also gaining traction in amateur and recreational sports and fitness and wellness applications.
In the sports industry, AI analyzes sports data and provides previously impossible insights.
AI in sports is now getting so popular that major sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB, are investing heavily in AI technologies. They often use it to improve player health and safety, game strategy, and fan experience.
5. The top 3 regions supporting AI use in sports are North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
(MarkWide Research)
6. The top 3 leading companies endorsing AI in sports are IBM Corporation, Stats Perform, and Catapult Group International Limited.
(MarkWide Research)
7. The global AI in sports market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29.7% through 2027, amounting to $5.25 billion.
(The Global Research Company)
8. One of the primary drivers of AI in the sports market is the increasing demand for wearable devices that can collect and analyze data.
(The Global Research Company)

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and heart rate monitors, have become increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for tracking and analyzing their performance data.
These devices often use AI algorithms to analyze the data and provide personalized insights and recommendations.
For example, they can give training plans, nutrition advice, and recovery strategies.
Professional sports teams also use wearable devices to monitor their players’ health and performance, identify potential injuries, and optimize their training regimens.
9. The AI in sports market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 28.8% over the next five years, reaching a size of $6.69 billion in 2028.
(The Global Research Company)
The AI in sports market is still in its early stages. As AI technologies evolve and new applications are developed, there is significant potential for further growth and innovation.
According to PwC, sports teams like the NBA and NHL use AI to improve fan experience.
For example, they use chatbots and other smart assistants to answer fan inquiries on different topics.
10. The most followed player in July 2023 in Turkey was Mesut Ozil, with almost 26.8 million followers.
(Statista)
11. The global sports analytics market was estimated at $2.45 billion, which is expected to reach $22 billion by 2030.
(Statista)
Major sports leagues and teams invest heavily in sports analytics to gain a competitive advantage, optimize player performance, and improve fan engagement.
Sports analytics is used across various sports, from team sports such as basketball and football to individual sports such as golf and tennis.
Key Benefits of AI in Sports
12. One of the primary benefits of AI in sports is the potential to improve player performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
(MarkWide Research)
Here is how this happens:
- AI-powered wearable devices can track and analyze player movements. They provide real-time feedback on technique, workload, and recovery needs, helping to optimize training and reduce the risk of overtraining or injury.
- Machine learning algorithms can analyze player data to identify injury patterns and risk factors. This enables coaches and medical staff to intervene early and prevent potential injuries.
- AI can also analyze game footage and identify patterns in opponent tactics. This allows coaches to develop more effective game strategies and improve player performance.
- Personalized training programs can be developed using AI, based on individual player strengths, weaknesses, and goals, to optimize training and improve performance.
13. Another advantage of AI in sports is its ability to support coaches in developing more effective strategies and making better decisions.
(MarkWide Research)
One thing about AI is that it works heavily on data.
Machine learning algorithms can predict outcomes based on previous data, helping coaches make more informed decisions about player substitutions, game tactics, and overall strategy.
AI can also simulate game scenarios and test different strategies, providing coaches with valuable insights into potential outcomes before implementing strategies in real games.
Artificial intelligence in sports is very beneficial to coaches in various aspects.
AI can analyze vast amounts of data from previous games and training sessions, providing coaches with insights into player performance, opponent tactics, and game trends.
These insights are crucial for developing effective strategies.
14. The application of AI in sports can provide individualized training programs, performance assessments, injury prevention strategies, scouting insights, and officiating support.
(Spiceworks)
Problems Associated with AI in the Sports Market
15. One of the challenges facing AI in the sports market is the high cost of implementing AI technologies and infrastructure.
(MarkWide Research)
Although AI benefits sports, it’s also costly to maintain.
Developing and training AI models can be time-consuming and require specialized expertise, which can be costly to hire or train.
AI requires significant computational power and data storage capabilities, which can be expensive to set up and maintain, especially for smaller sports organizations.
16. Another concern in the AI in sports market is the potential for data privacy and security issues related to the collection and analysis of sports data
(MarkWide Research)
There is a risk that data collected by wearable devices or other sensors could be hacked or leaked, potentially compromising players’ privacy and security.
For this reason, some athletes, players, and governing bodies may have concerns about how AI-generated data is used and shared and may push for stricter regulations around data privacy and security.
17. In 2022, the software component segment held the largest share of the global artificial intelligence in the sports market.
(MarkWide Research)
However, the services segment of the global artificial intelligence market in sports is expected to experience the fastest growth between 2022 and 2028.
AI software is the backbone of many AI applications in sports, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and computer vision systems.
The demand for AI software in sports has been driven by sports organizations’ increasing adoption of AI technologies, from professional teams to amateur leagues.
Conclusion
The latest AI in sports statistics reveals a rapidly growing market with many applications.
As AI technologies advance and become more accessible, their impact on the sports industry is only expected to increase.
While data privacy and security concerns need to be addressed, the potential benefits of AI in sports are too significant to ignore.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the sports landscape from how games are played and coached to how fans engage with their favorite teams and athletes.
By staying informed and embracing these technologies, sports organizations can stay ahead of the curve and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
FAQs
1. Can You Use AI to Predict Sports?
Yes, you can use AI to predict sports. AI analyzes data to make accurate sports predictions.
2. What Sports Have AI in Them?
Rugby, soccer (football), basketball, baseball, and tennis are some sports that use AI.
3. How is AI used in Football?
In Football, AI algorithms analyze player movement. They use sensors in equipment and stadiums to provide insights into performance metrics such as speed, distance, and acceleration.
Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots use this information to tailor training programs and reduce injury risks.
4. How is AI used in Sports Analytics?
AI is being used in sports analytics in various ways. First is player tracking, which involves collecting data on players’ movements and actions during games.
AI algorithms will then analyze this data to identify patterns and trends.
Then, there is predictive analytics, which uses AI to analyze historical data and predict future outcomes. These include who is likely to win a game or which player is expected to score a goal.
5. Can AI Predict Sports Results?
Yes, AI can be used to predict the outcome of sports events. There are a variety of ways that AI can do this: by analyzing historical data and by applying machine learning algorithms.
However, it’s important to note that AI predictions are not always accurate.
This is because several factors, such as injuries, weather, and other unforeseen events, can affect the outcome of a game.
6. What is the Importance of AI in Sports?
AI is important in sports because it helps coaches and players make better decisions. It analyzes players’ performances.
7. How does the use of AI in sports Affect Athletes?
AI in sports can help athletes train more efficiently, improve their performance, and avoid injuries.
It can also help them analyze their performance and their opponents’ performance, allowing them to improve on the field.
8. What is the Future of AI in Sports?
AI’s future in sports will likely involve more advanced technologies and applications.
For example, augmented and virtual reality may create immersive experiences for fans and athletes.
Also, AI can detect and prevent cheating and doping in sports.
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