Has technology become part of professional sports? Well, there is really no doubt about it: yes. Absolutely. In leagues like the MLB or NFL, coaches and trainers are relying more and more on artificial intelligence and real-time statistics.
We are going to focus on baseball and American football, two sports that are reaching out for new technologies, in order to reduce the number of mistakes on the field and make more sure-fire decisions and explain how much they are changing. Obviously, the massive employment of AI and stats updated to the second is evolving the game. In a way that we wouldn’t be able to fathom only 10 years ago.
The effects of technology in baseball
In modern baseball, data analysis links micro-events and decisions in real time: from pitcher-batter matchups to defensive shifts, to workload management via wearable devices, clubs integrate granular signals to optimize strategy and performance. In this context, probabilities synthesize complex inputs into an immediate indicator for readers and fans, updating as lineups and playing conditions change, as is the case, for example, with MLB odds provided by Oddschecker. Betting in real time today is a solid opportunity. As an MLB skipper can devise a strategy based on a statistical analysis about his pitcher’s last play, a bettor can have better odds based on the outcome of the last inning. Technology in MLB is nowadays quite prominent. It includes player performance tracking, obtained by using cameras and smart wearables for data-driven insights; an Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS) to assist umpires, which is about to be implemented for the full MLB season, and new equipment for improved safety and performance. Additionally, fan engagement is being enhanced with tools like 3D gamecasts and digital apps that use the same data to tell players’ and teams’ stories and provide new ways to watch and enjoy games.
Technology is employed to enhance every single facet of the game. On the diamond as well as outside of it. The league wants to offer a fairer competition and increase immersivity for fans. Baseball is already a sport that counts on a warm participation of its audience but, as it seems, the MLB deems it can do better and relies heavily on new technologies to bring the game forward.
The relationship between the NFL and AWS
The NFL is also betting on technology. The commissioner, Roger Goodell, signed a lucrative contract with Amazon in order to allow their Prime service to air the Tuesday Night Game which traditionally opens the league’s slate of weekend games. Jeff Bezos is now the only broadcaster authorized to transmit the TNF and the brand-new Black Friday Game, played on the most important day of the year for Amazon, right after Thanksgiving, when people spend a lot of money on the biggest e-commerce we know.
As part of this agreement, Amazon Web Services (AWS) conceded its real-time statistics expertise to the league. Amazon can now calculate the percentage of success for any given play, on any given situation, or suggest whether a coach should punt or keep the offense on the field on a 4th down play. AWS bases its esteems on historical data and comparisons with what other franchises tend to do in similar moments. A lot of coaches, especially the younger ones, wait for AWS’ feedback before making a decision.
Not many years ago, it was impossible to delegate a decision as important as going for it on a 4th down to a virtual calculator. Great coaches defined their tenure on moments like these. Today, though, there is not that same emphasis on similar aspects. Now more than ever, franchises just want to win and if they find a technological assistant able to help them in this quest, they are not going to ignore its feedback. Read all the latest tech trends in sports and outside of them on our dedicated page: your go-to destination to stay up-to-date on everything techy.
