AI in Sports Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Deployment (On-premises and Cloud), By Technology (Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Computer Vision, and Others), By Application (Game Analytics, Fan Engagement, Predictive Modeling, Strategy Improvement, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global AI in sports market size was valued at USD 1.22 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.43 billion in 2026 to USD 5.01 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.94% during the forecast period.

The AI in Sports Market on a global scale is experiencing substantial growth as a result of the rising need for monitoring and tracking player data and the increasing demand for chatbots and virtual assistants to engage with fans. The sports tech industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the incorporation of AI and technology. Technology is poised to revolutionize every aspect of the sports ecosystem, from performance analytics to engaging with fans.

• Statcast, an AI tool used by Major League Baseball, tracks and evaluates pitch velocity, player movements, exit speeds, and launch angles, providing comprehensive data to players, coaches, and fans.
• Experts in the industry state that approximately 57.5 million individuals in the U.S. tune in to digital live sports content monthly, with expectations for this figure to surpass 90 million by 2025. AI improves fan engagement by offering tailored communication, enabling active interaction, and facilitating game analysis.

Impact of Generative AI on the AI in Sports Market

The sports revolution is being led by generative AI, which combines data-driven insights with advanced machine-learning capabilities. This groundbreaking technology is not only changing how athletes perform but also reshaping the entire sports experience for fans and stakeholders. In sports, gen AI enables comprehensive analysis of players, matches, and teams to enhance fan engagement, optimize players' performance, prevent injuries, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

In June of 2024, a new generative AI feature called "Catch Me Up" was launched by IBM and the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The goal of this feature is to personalize fan engagement during the Wimbledon Championships further.

AI in Sports Market Driver

Rising Demand for Real-Time Sports Data Analytics to Propel Market Expansion

The progress of wearable technology and sensors has made it possible to monitor athletes in real-time, collecting a wealth of information on their movements, physiological indicators, and overall performance. This extensive data not only helps coaches and sports scientists improve training programs but also enables teams to make well-informed decisions during matches. Additionally, it has become essential for entertaining fans, as teams use data to enhance the spectator experience with interactive applications, augmented reality, and tailored content.

• In an attempt to simplify and customize communication, the NFL established a single centralized league database comprising over 20 million supporters in 2022. This data is utilized by sports entities to more effectively identify and connect with fans through tailored marketing communications, offers, and fan interactions, all aiming to enhance engagement, allegiance, and sales potential.

AI in Sports Market Restraint

Lack of Quality and Data Availability Hinders Market Growth

While the integration of AI in sports holds immense potential, it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the primary challenges in AI-enhanced sports training is the quality and availability of data. AI algorithms rely on large datasets to learn and make accurate predictions. However, acquiring high-quality, comprehensive, and standardized data can be challenging, especially in certain sports disciplines or for specific performance metrics.

Moreover, athletes’ personal and performance data are increasingly being collected and analyzed to drive insights and decision-making processes. Thus, these factors are likely to limit the AI in sports market growth.

AI in Sports Market Opportunity

Increasing Engagement of Fans in Sports is expected to Create Various Growth Prospects

Video content has become essential for capturing the attention of online audiences in today's digital media environment. The use of AI and ML in video production has transformed the creation of content, offering immense opportunities to improve fan experiences in the constantly changing market. AI-powered engagement improves sports viewership by merging the physical and virtual worlds, and it helps grow the fan base while effectively handling substantial amounts of data.

• In 2022, FIFA World Cup Soccer revealed a collaboration with Algorand, an official partner blockchain provider, to launch their unique NFT player collection before the commencement of the World Cup in Qatar. FIFA's dedication to connecting with Web3 through Algorand demonstrates its forward-thinking approach and willingness to interact directly and effortlessly with soccer enthusiasts worldwide.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Micro Macro Economic Indicators
• Drivers, Restraints, Trends, and Opportunities
• Business Strategies Adopted by the Key Players
• Impact of Generative AI on the Global AI in Sports Market
• Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players

Analysis by Deployment

By deployment, the market is divided into on-premises and cloud.

The largest market share was held by solutions based in the cloud. Sports content distribution is evolving with the help of advances in cloud, IP-based workflows, and AI. Increasingly, AI-driven cloud solutions are being used to prepare subscription sports networks for captioning. Additionally, the global demand for cost-effective, secure, and scalable solutions is expected to increase cloud deployment.

• In September 2024, SportAI, a startup focused on sports technology that employs artificial intelligence to enhance sports performance, concluded a seed funding round, securing a total of USD 1.8 million. Utilizing machine learning, computer vision, and biometric technology, SportAI's platform delivers coaching, commentary, and analysis of sports techniques. The platform, which operates on the cloud, conducts real-time analysis of player technique and offers personalized feedback designed to enhance performance in sports such as golf or tennis.

Analysis by Technology

By technology, the market is divided into natural language processing, machine learning, data analytics, computer vision, and others.

The AI in sports market is predominantly influenced by machine learning technology. This technology is revolutionizing sports analytics by providing more intricate and accurate insights into all facets of athletic performance. Machine learning allows for a comprehensive analysis that surpasses the capabilities of conventional methods, from interpreting player movements to forecasting game results.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is divided into game analytics, fan engagement, predictive modeling, strategy improvement, and others.

Predictive modeling is expected to experience the most significant growth in the upcoming years. Enhancements in predictive analytics have given rise to predictive models capable of calculating the probabilities of sports game outcomes and evaluating player performance. AI is anticipated to enhance competitiveness in sports significantly, thanks to improved sensors and algorithms, thereby enabling more accurate predictions of competition results.

• Furthermore, athletes are being assessed using predictive analytics to examine their performance in various stages, which is essential. Humane introduced the AI Pin in December 2023, which is equipped with distinctive artificial intelligence capabilities. This wearable device is voice-activated and provides information to users through its AI chatbot. Consequently, a rise in the utilization of predictive analytics is anticipated to offer profitable prospects for the expansion of the sports industry's AI market. 

Regional Analysis

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In terms of geography, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The largest portion of the Global AI in Sports Market in 2023 was represented by North America. One of the liveliest domestic league systems globally is found in North America, with substantial social and economic commitments to sports at both the university and league levels. The U.S. is a prominent sporting nation on a global scale, according to Stanford University, with the four major professional sports contributing to 0.1% of national economic activity.

• Argo AI and Ford are working together with NASCAR to improve safety in Auto Racing, a high-risk sport. They are using deep learning to enhance safety measures. The adoption of AI in sports is anticipated to expand further.

Europe is the second-largest market based on the demand for AI in Sports. The growing need to apply advanced technologies and the increasing number of companies are likely to drive market growth in this region.

• The Deloitte Football Money League 2023 reported a 13% growth in total revenue for the top 20 revenue-generating European clubs, as opposed to the 2020–21 period.

China's public-oriented programming and sporting events have experienced a notable increase, leading to a substantial rise in sports analytics and fitness-related applications. Developers of user-focused sports platforms are placing emphasis on establishing partnerships with different sports clubs and organizations to broaden their range of products.

Key Players Covered

The AI in sports market is highly consolidated, with a few major players dominating the market share. However, the proliferation of technology in sports is expected to create new opportunities and attract new players.  

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Catapult Group International Ltd. (Australia)
• SAS Institute Inc. (U.S.)
• Sportradar AG (Switzerland)
• Opta Sports (Perform Group) (U.K.)
• SAP SE (Germany)
• IBM Corporation (U.S.)
• Salesforce.com Inc. (U.S.)
• Trumedia Networks (U.S.)
• Stats Perform (U.S.)
• Microsoft Corporation (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2023, IBM and ESPN revealed their plan to utilize AI models created with Watsonx to convert fantasy football data into valuable insights. These models are projected to generate over 48 billion insights for fantasy managers in the current year. They will cover a wide range of recommendations, such as identifying trade opportunities that are beneficial for all involved, as well as pinpointing waiver wire players who are most suitable for meeting a team's particular requirements.
• In May 2023, Sportradar revealed an investment in AI technology for the sports betting industry. This investment involves using digital systems in place of human data collectors, allowing the company to gain deeper insights into sports and develop new value-added products for its clients.