The sports sector is seeing unprecedented growth because of digital technologies, which have the ability to bring fans closer together through new and personalized experiences. However, to take advantage of this opportunity, digital must be integrated into every part of the business, transforming people, processes, and technology.
But for what reasons, digital transformation is necessary?
Without a doubt, technology has and will continue to disrupt businesses across all industries, profoundly altering both the customer experience and the inner workings of firms. The sports industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with digital technology enabling previously inconceivable development opportunities.
However, in order to take advantage, sports organizations would have to undergo a digital makeover. It will not be enough to simply "do digital"; they will need to integrate digital into every part of their business, transforming people, processes, and technology. Keep in mind when we talk about organizational restructuring it is not to be taken lightly too as it would involve time and resources too. But the only reason organization are willing to consider organizational overhaul is the immense potential it holds and that is definitely worth examining.
There are four types of opportunities available. Know more about them below.
Reach a wider audience with content
Fans' lives are being shaped by technology more than ever before, allowing sports organizations to offer new, inventive consumer experiences. By collaborating with broadcasters and new distribution platforms, you can provide fans with the experiences they want while also capturing the audience across many platforms, including mobile.
As more people migrate to live sports data providers, the rise of the smartphone and tablet may have contributed to a decline in live game attendance. The National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) both have lower attendance than in 2007, while attendance in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) has decreased since the 2012-2013 season. At the same time, over-the-top (OTT) platforms are gaining traction as a new growth engine: While the NFL's TV ratings have dropped, the number of people watching games online climbed.
Sports organizations can use digital media and develop a direct connection with the fans as well. Collaboration with broadcasters to master material for several channels is one option, which opens up a slew of real-time marketing possibilities. Finally, cross-platform digital content optimization will help sports data feed providers to improve their content reach.
Optimize the fan experience
Many sports fans are looking for more than just the game; they want exclusive and sharing experiences that technology can provide. Using immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality to offer an incredibly engaging viewing experience, sports companies could increase stadium attendance. They may also boost engagement by tailoring experiences to individual fan preferences using loyalty and customer relationship management data.
Encourage sponsors to get involved
Fans are connecting with media in more ways than ever before–audio consumption, TV viewing, and app usage all grew between 2014 and 2016. When you combine this with the fact that sports fans are growing more open to tailored participation, you have a universe of possibilities. Targeted ads are said to be twice as effective as non-targeted commercials on average: 60% of millennials would readily volunteer their data for coupons or promotions, and 71% of customers prefer to see interest tailored ads.
Increase revenue by generating new businesses
In a world dominated by big data, sports companies can mine fan data to gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors, preferences, and demographics, ultimately 
unlocking new revenue sources by addressing fans in novel ways, such as by adding new services to existing offers. Companies can also apply data and revamp their core business process and ultimately use data to solidify partner connections and make new business models as well.
Transforming the way people work
Sports organizations must not only attract digital talent but also provide ongoing training to their employees in order to enhance digital capabilities. This will enable students to approach issue resolution from a digital standpoint.
The digitalization of business processes
Traditional business processes are reexamined and realigned to support the digital capabilities required to create efficiencies and unleash value through digital transformation.
Adopting new digital technologies
Enterprise technology must assist the business, improve operational efficiencies and communicate more directly with fans and consumers. Predictive modeling, which can foresee consumer patterns, and E-commerce platforms, which can open up new revenue streams are examples of transformative digital technology.
The bottom line
Starting along the path of digital transformation requires a full understanding of current capabilities as well as a vision for the future, which will determine how over the period of time an Organization's capabilities, its processes would evolve. Sports organizations would then get used to their digital presence and over time be ever more connected to their fans and create personalized experiences that would help them build a loyal customer base.
This is exactly where Data Sports Group comes in and can help you provide a seamless experience as the organization would then need raw sports data to derive analysis and deliver that to the platforms for consumption.
