The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast

🎙 In lieu of the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2025, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Prashant Khanna, 

We discuss the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting in India. Exploring  the innovative initiatives at Star Labs, including AI-driven features and robotics, and the challenges faced in implementing these technologies. The conversation highlights the growing sports ecosystem in India, the importance of collaboration, and the future of sports technology.

Takeaways

- Jiostar is a major player in the sports tech market in India.

- Star Labs focuses on innovation in sports broadcasting.

- AI and robotics are transforming sports coverage.

- Collaboration with startups is key to innovation.

- The sports ecosystem in India is rapidly evolving.

- Innovation often starts at the tier 2 and tier 3 levels.

- Jiostar covers over 300 days of live sports annually.

- The organization has a strong culture of risk-taking and innovation.

- AI translation enhances viewer engagement.

- The future of sports technology is promising with ongoing developments.

🎙 In lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2025, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Ricardo Mazzucca, Partner at Arena Hub.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Brazilian sports innovation ecosystem. We explore Ricardo's background, the mission of Arena Hub, the startup landscape in Brazil, and the challenges and opportunities within the sports industry. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation, connection, and education in accelerating the future of sports, as well as the role of startups in transforming the industry.

Takeaways

- Ricardo Mazzucca has extensive experience in sports marketing and innovation.

- Arena Hub aims to accelerate innovation in the sports industry.

- The Brazilian sports ecosystem is evolving but still has room for growth.

- Startups in Brazil are diverse, ranging from early-stage to mature companies.

- Innovation is crucial for sports entities to remain competitive.

- The partnership with the Brazilian Olympic Committee is a significant milestone for Arena Hub.

- Fan engagement is a key focus for Brazilian sports startups.

- The sports industry in Brazil is ripe for investment and innovation.

- Many sports entities in Brazil are still adapting to the concept of innovation.

- Arena Hub connects startups with sports entities to foster collaboration.

🎙 In lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2025, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Claudine Breton, Director General at Thinksport.

Claudine discusses her background and the revitalization of ThinsSport's mission. She highlights the importance of innovation in the sports ecosystem, the role of startups, and the upcoming event known as 'The Spot'. Claudine shares insights on international collaboration, barriers to innovation within sports organizations, and quick wins for embracing a culture of innovation. The conversation emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to drive progress in the sports industry.

Takeaways

- ThinkSport is focusing on innovation and collaboration.

- The organization aims to connect various stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.

- International partnerships are crucial for sports innovation.

- Startups play a vital role in addressing sports challenges.

- The Spot event will showcase innovative solutions in sports.

- Barriers to innovation include financial constraints and resistance to change.

- Sustainability and diversity are key focus areas for sports organizations.

- ThinkSport plans to expand its international relationships and initiatives.

🎙 In lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2025, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Lloyd Danzig, managing partner at Sharp Alpha.

In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of sports technology and investment. We explore the concept of competitive entertainment, the rise of innovative ventures like Pool House, and the importance of engaging fan experiences. Lloyd shares insights on the qualities of successful founders and the future trends in sports tech, emphasizing the shift towards active participation and socialization in sports.

Takeaways

- Competitive entertainment is about engaging consumers.

- Investments in sports tech are expanding beyond traditional boundaries.

- Pool House exemplifies the trend of experiential entertainment.

- The younger generation seeks socialization beyond alcohol consumption.

- Innovative tech can transform traditional games like pool.

- Successful founders need to inspire and engage their teams.

- Transparency in communication is crucial for founders.

- The sports tech landscape is ripe for new investments.

- Fan engagement is shifting from passive to active participation.

- Future trends will be driven by consumer behavior and technology.

🎙 On this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars podcast, we’re shining shining light on Women’s Sports again with Ellen Hyslop, Co-Founder of The GIST.

In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of women's sports and media, the importance of catering to female sports fans, the unique storytelling approach needed to engage this audience, and the surge in investment in women's sports. Ellen shares insights on the challenges faced in building a sports media brand, the role of technology in enhancing women's sports visibility, and the future plans for The GIST, including a focus on community building and partnerships with major organizations.

Takeaways

- The GIST is the first fan-first sports media company for underserved sports fans.

- Women care about both men's and women's sports, often more than men do.

- Storytelling is crucial for engaging female sports fans.

- Digital media has democratized women's sports, allowing athletes to share their stories directly.

- Investment in women's sports is surging due to increased visibility and engagement.

- The quality of media coverage for women's sports has improved significantly with better technology.

- Data analytics can unlock new opportunities in women's sports, especially in fantasy and betting.

- The next generation of female athletes is more likely to pursue sports as a career.

- Community building is essential for the future of sports media.

- Women entering the sports industry should view their unique perspectives as assets. 

🎙 On this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars podcast, we’re shining shining light on Women’s Sports with Arianna Criscione, Co-Founder and CEO at Valeur Sport.

We discuss the evolving landscape of women's sports, focusing on investment opportunities, the importance of salary transparency, and the role of technology in enhancing visibility and engagement. Arianna shares her journey from being a professional athlete to an entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to close the gender pay gap and improve the overall ecosystem for women in sports. The conversation highlights the growing appetite for women's sports and the innovative approaches being taken to foster growth and inclusivity in the industry.

Takeaways

- Arianna emphasizes the need for salary transparency in sports.

- Valeur aims to close the gender pay gap in sports.

- Women's sports is becoming a billion-dollar industry.

- Visibility of women's sports is improving but still needs work.

- Technology can play a crucial role in enhancing women's sports.

- Investment in women's sports is increasing, but strategies need to improve.

- Arianna's journey showcases the importance of networking and seizing opportunities.

- Creating a safe space for discussions about gender issues is vital.

- The ecosystem for women's sports needs to be built strategically.

- Women's sports are innovating and creating unique engagement opportunities.

🎙Closing out the Indian series for the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report, we present: Unmish Parthasarathi, Founder & Executive Director at Picture Board Partners (Singapore). 

In this episode of the Sports Tech All Stars Podcast, they discuss the evolution of media rights, the unique characteristics of the Indian sports market, emerging opportunities beyond cricket, and the impact of technology and innovation on sports participation. The conversation also touches on the future of sports in India leading up to the 2036 Olympics, highlighting the potential for growth and development in various sports sectors.

Takeaways

- Unmish Parthasarathi has extensive experience in the sports industry, working at the intersection of content, technology, and finance.

- The media rights landscape has changed significantly, with increased demand and supply fragmentation.

- India's sports culture is dominated by cricket, but there are emerging opportunities in other sports.

- The IPL has had a profound impact on Indian sports, both positively and negatively.

- Technology and innovation are crucial for the future of sports participation in India.

- The audience in India is young, connected, and multilingual, presenting unique opportunities.

- The economics of sports media are shifting towards streaming and digital platforms.

- Fandom in sports is characterized by loyalty and engagement, which differs from other entertainment genres.

- The upcoming 2036 Olympics in India presents a significant opportunity for growth in sports.

- There is a growing momentum in the Indian sports market, driven by various factors including technology and youth engagement.

🎙Closing out the Indian series  in build up to the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report, we present: Salone Sehgal, Founding General Partner, Lumikai

In this episode of the SportsTech All-Stars podcast, Salone Sehgal, founding general partner of Lumikai, discusses her journey in the Indian sports ecosystem, focusing on the intersection of media, gaming, and technology. She shares insights on the evolution of the Indian gaming market, investment strategies, and the future of esports in India. Salone emphasizes the importance of building relationships with founders and highlights the significant growth potential in the Indian gaming and entertainment sectors.

Takeaways

- Salone Sehgal is the founding general partner at Lumikai, India's first media gaming and tech stage fund.

- Lumikai focuses on investing in interactive media, gaming, and technology, managing over $75 million.

- The Indian gaming market has seen a Cambrian explosion due to mobile accessibility and affordable data.

- Esports has become an official sport in India, indicating its growing importance in the sports ecosystem.

- Salone's investment strategy includes building relationships with founders before they seek funding.

- The average Indian consumes a significant amount of data, driving demand for interactive content.

- Gaming is now a major revenue generator, surpassing traditional media like Bollywood.

- Lumikai's approach includes a five-pillar framework to support portfolio companies.

- The future of esports in India looks promising, with increasing youth engagement and cultural relevance.

- Salone believes the next decade will see significant changes in the Indian sports and gaming landscape.

🎙Continuing focus on the Indian ecosystem in build up to the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report, we present: Per Nohlert, CEO of 1080 Motion

In this conversation, Per discusses his journey and vision for the company, focusing on the innovative technology behind their products and the potential of the Indian sports market. He shares insights from his recent trip to India, highlighting the growing interest in sports technology and the willingness to invest in high-quality training equipment. Per also addresses challenges in the market, including price sensitivity and the need for education around their products. Looking ahead, he emphasizes the company's growth strategy and commitment to understanding customer needs in various regions.

Takeaways:

- Per Nohlert emphasizes the importance of understanding the Indian market.

- 1080 Motion's technology disrupts traditional resistance training methods.

- The company is focused on expanding into new sports and markets.

- Per's recent trip to India revealed a strong interest in sports tech.

- There is a growing willingness to invest in high-quality training equipment.

- Price sensitivity in India was less of a concern than expected.

- 1080 Motion aims to increase local production to reduce costs.

- The company is committed to education and customer engagement.

- Per highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions with customers.

- The future looks promising for 1080 Motion in India and beyond.

🎙Contining focus on the Indian ecosystem in build up to the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report, we present: Eric Hollingsworth and Arnab Das from Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy.

In this episode of the SportsTech All-Stars Podcast, the discussion revolves around the evolving Indian sports ecosystem, focusing on the Vijay Bharat Sports Academy and its role in developing young athletes. Eric Hollingsworth and Arnab Das share insights on their experiences, the importance of technology in sports, and the cultural challenges faced in India. They emphasize the need for critical thinking, data analysis, and innovative approaches to enhance athlete performance and identify medal-winning opportunities in various sports. The conversation also touches on future plans for the academy and the significance of integrating local practices with global standards.

Takeaways

- The Indian sports ecosystem is rapidly evolving with significant opportunities.

- Vijay Bharat Sports Academy aims to develop athletes for international competitions.

- Technology and data analysis are crucial for enhancing athlete performance.

- Cultural challenges exist in integrating global sports practices in India.

- Identifying key sports for medal opportunities is essential for success.

- A multidisciplinary approach in coaching can lead to better athlete development.

- Critical thinking should be taught to young coaches and athletes.

- Integrative medicine and yoga are being utilized for athlete recovery and performance.

- Future plans include expanding the academy's facilities and sports offerings.

- The importance of local knowledge in implementing global sports strategies.

🎙Welcome back to another episode of the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast! With continued focus on the Indian ecosystem in build up to the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report, we present: Shikha Tandon, Chief Resilience and Partnerships Officer at svexa.

In this episode, we discuss Shikha's journey from being an elite athlete to working in the sports tech industry, the role of technology in enhancing athletic performance, and the current state of the Indian sports tech ecosystem. Shikha shares insights on the challenges faced in adopting technology in sports, the importance of youth development in preparation for the 2036 Olympics, and her personal aspirations to contribute to India's sports landscape.

Takeaways

- Shikha Tandon is a former Olympian and an Arjuna Awardee.

- Svexa focuses on human performance through technology and analytics.

- The transition from athlete to tech innovator can be smooth with the right academic background.

- Technology is revolutionizing athletic performance and training methods.

- The Indian sports tech market is at a unique inflection point, especially with the 2036 Olympics bid.

- Adoption of technology in sports faces challenges such as resistance from coaches and lack of infrastructure.

- Youth development is crucial for India's future success in sports.

- Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for driving innovation in sports tech.

- Sports can play a significant role in promoting health and wellness in society.

- Personal experiences and insights from athletes can greatly enhance the sports tech ecosystem.

🎙Welcome back to the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast this 2025! Hope you’ve all had a great start to the year. 

Starting this year with focus on the Indian ecosystem in build up to the Indian Sports Biz & Tech Report. To kick off the series, we present: Nandan Kamath, Co-Founder at Sports and Society Accelerator.

In this episode we discuss the rapid growth of the Indian Sports Tech market, the evolving cultural perceptions of sports careers, and the importance of physical activity in the population. Nandan shares insights from his report on the state of physical activity in India, highlighting significant gaps and opportunities for improvement. The conversation also delves into the role of technology in bridging gaps in sports, the challenges faced by startups in the sports tech space, and the future outlook for Indian sports, especially in light of potential Olympic hosting. Nandan reflects on his personal journey in sports and the importance of fostering a sports culture in India.

Takeaways

- Indian SportsTech is rapidly growing and diversifying.

- Cultural shifts are changing perceptions of sports careers.

- Physical activity levels in India are alarmingly low.

- Sports can drive socio-economic change in the population.

- Technology has the potential to bridge gaps in sports.

- Awareness of health and fitness is increasing among youth.

- Government and private sectors must collaborate for sports development.

- Startups face challenges in finding product-market fit in sports tech.

- Perceived value of sports experiences influences consumer behavior.

- The future of Indian sports looks promising with upcoming events. 

🎙Continuing the Global Sports Tech VC Report series, the SportsTech Allstars presents: Mohit Pareek, Principal at  DrakeStar Partners

In this episode, we discuss Mohit's journey in the advisory space, recent transactions in sports tech, and the current state of the market as it transitions into 2024. The conversation highlights the importance of profitability for startups, the dynamics of middle market transactions, and the exciting areas of innovation within sports tech, including fan engagement and AI. Mohit shares insights on the future of DrakeStar and the sports tech industry as a whole.

Takeaways

• 2024 is seen as a transition year for the sports tech industry.

• M&A activity in sports tech is at an all-time high.

• Profitability is crucial for startups seeking acquisition.

• Fan engagement is a key area of innovation in sports tech.

• Middle market transactions are increasingly important in the sports sector.

• The sports tech industry is experiencing a surge in investment and interest.

• AI and analytics are transforming the sports media landscape.

• DrakeStar is committed to supporting innovative sports tech companies.

🎙 A special episode to shout out Sport Marke Medien on 2nd and 3rd December which is a part of the leading international sporting goods trade fair ISPO Munich. The Sports Tech Allstars presents: Hendrik Ungelenk, Teamlead for the conferences of the ESB Marketing Networking

In this conversation, Rohn and Hendrik Ungelenk discuss the upcoming Sportmarker Medien event, which aims to bring together leaders in media and brand commercialization within sports. They explore the objectives of the event, the structure of the ESP Marketing Network, and the focus on tech innovation and investment trends in the sports industry. Hendrik shares insights on the event's speakers, successful use cases from the network, and future plans for growth and relevance in the sports marketing landscape.

🎙Continuing the Global Sports Tech VC Report series, the SportsTech Allstars presents: Lauren Pedersen, CEO at SportAI.

In this conversation, Lauren Pedersen, CEO of Sport AI, discusses the innovative use of AI and computer vision in sports technique analysis, particularly in racket sports. She shares insights on the challenges of traditional coaching methods, the recent funding successes of Sport AI, and the company's vision for expanding into other sports. The discussion also touches on the importance of democratising access to sports coaching, the role of technology in enhancing fan engagement, and the future of AI in sports commentary.

Takeaways

- Sport AI uses AI for technique analysis in sports.

- AI can provide objective feedback for athletes.

- Recent funding includes notable investors like Magnus Carlsen.

- Partnerships with platforms like Matchi enhance user experience.

- AI can personalise equipment recommendations for players.

- Democratising access to coaching is a key goal.

- AI commentary can revolutionise fan engagement in sports.

🎙In lead up to the SportsTech VC Report out early November, we’re kicking off the most awaited investments series. On the first episode, the Sports Tech Allstars presents: Thomas Rudy, Chief Investment Officer at LEAD VC.

In this episode, Rohn speaks with Thomas Rudy about the evolution of LEAD VC's investment strategies in the sports tech ecosystem. They discuss the various funds under LEAD VC, including their focus on health tech and sports innovation, as well as the importance of partnerships with sports organisations. Thomas highlights successful investments like OxyWear and Mustard, and shares insights on current trends in the market, including the merging of sports and health, the future of virtual reality, and the growing significance of women's sports. The conversation concludes with Thomas sharing his excitement for LEAD VC's future growth and upcoming initiatives.

Takeaways

-LEAD VC has evolved from an accelerator to a holistic venture corporation.

-The focus is on investments from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.

-LEAD VC operates multiple funds, including the Lake Nona Fund and the Advantage Fund

-The merging of sports and health is a key trend in the industry.

-Virtual reality faces challenges, while augmented reality is gaining traction.

-Youth sports and women's sports are emerging markets for investment.

🎙For the last episode on sustainability in sports, the SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Pierluigi Zacheo, Founder at MyStadium Ltd. 

MyStadium is a Sustainability Consultancy that offers strategic advice for the Sports/Events industry. In this conversation, Rohn and Pierluigii Zacheo discuss the critical role of sustainability in sports, emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation. They explore the definition of sustainability, the various stakeholders involved, and share case studies from Formula E and the NBA. The discussion highlights the complexities of integrating sustainability into operations and the potential of technology, particularly generative AI, to optimize processes and reduce carbon footprints. The conversation concludes with a look at future projects and the importance of aligning with ISO standards for credibility in sustainability efforts.

Takeaways

-Sustainability in sports means creating a circular economy.

-Stakeholders include not just shareholders but also communities and the environment.

-Mapping stakeholders is crucial for understanding their needs.

-Integrating sustainability into operations requires significant effort.

-Sustainability should be part of the organizational culture.

-Data collection is essential for measuring sustainability efforts.

-Generative AI can optimize logistics and reduce emissions.

-ISO standards provide a framework for sustainable event management.

🎙Continuing the focus on sustainability in sports, the SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Christian Theil, CEO at turfcoach. 

In this conversation, Rohn and Christian talk about the intersection of technology, sustainability, and sports. They discuss how Turf Coach digitizes pitch conditions to help groundskeepers manage turf more effectively, the importance of pitch quality on game performance, and the company's expansion into other sports. Christian shares insights on sustainability in turf management, future trends, and the innovations Turf Coach is pursuing to enhance their product offerings.

Takeaways

• Turf Coach digitises pitch conditions for better management.

• Christian's background includes sustainable land use at the UN.

• Data analytics helps groundskeepers make informed decisions.

• Pitch conditions significantly impact game performance.

• Turf Coach works with top-tier clubs across Europe.

• The company is exploring opportunities in cricket and rugby.

• Sustainability is a key focus for Turf Coach's operations.

• Future trends include innovations in pitch maintenance technology.

🎙Focusing on sustainability in sports for the next few weeks, this SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents: Ioannis Konstantopoulos, Sustainability Advisor at InNews.

This conversation delves into the emerging theme of sustainability in sports, exploring its significance, regulatory landscape, and the role of technology and innovation in driving sustainable practices within sports organisations. Ioannis shares insights on how sports entities are adapting to new regulations, the importance of measuring environmental impacts, and the collaborative efforts between sports organisations and technology providers to enhance sustainability initiatives.

Takeaways

• Sustainability in sports has gained momentum in recent years.

• Regulations are now mandatory for sports organisations in Europe.

• Football is at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

• Organisations are moving from voluntary to mandatory sustainability practices.

• Technology plays a crucial role in measuring and addressing sustainability.

• Consulting firms help organisations develop and implement sustainability strategies.

• Real-time data is essential for effective sustainability management.

• Innovative solutions are being developed to reduce environmental impacts.

• Collaboration between sports organisations and startups is increasing.

• The future of sports sustainability lies in supply chain innovation and digital platforms.

🎙 Last on the Esports World Cup series from the New Global Sports Conference, the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents: Andrew Chen, General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz.

Andrew Chen is a General Partner for A16Z GAMES, focused on the intersection of tech and gaming — this includes AI, studios, infrastructure, and consumer apps.

We talk about gaming, fantasy sports and esports in depth. Followed by the things that eSports and gaming could learn from sports to enhance itself, and how storytelling is key in all of it. What are the stories? How do you create that conflict? How do you create these anchor events to bring that together?

🎙 Next up on the Esports World Cup series from the New Global Sports Conference, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents: MJ Acosta- Ruiz, Sportscaster & TV Host at ESPN

MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a television host and sportscaster, currently featured as the anchor of ESPN's Sportscenter and as a sideline reporter for ESPN Deportes' Monday Night Football. We have a lovely chat about the takeaways from the Esports World Cup and the New Global Sports Conference.

The Emmy Award winning journalist became the first  woman of color to host a show at NFL Media. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, you can find her working internationally to reach the diverse and growing landscape outside of the U.S. 

With nearly 15 years in the TV & Entertainment industry, she continues her work as an advocate for representation and equality. MJ works closely with women’s empowerment groups such as A Seat at the Table and is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. 

🎙 Continuing the esports World Cup series, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Mike Milanov, Chairman - Advisory Board, Gaming & Esports at Qiddiya.

🎙 Starting the esports World Cup series, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents none other than the CEO himself, Ralf Reichert. 

Ralf grew up as a native gamer with a passion for competition in the physical world as much as the digital. In the late 90s, he founded SK Gaming with his brothers, Tim and Benjamin, as one of the first esports clubs, and competed at the highest level - which subsequently made him fall in love with the industry. Excited to build this industry, Ralf and his team co-founded ESL, and embarked on the quest to build the largest stages for the new sport that turn athletes into stars worldwide. What was intended to be a quick win evolved into a lifelong journey. ESL has since become the largest esports brand, and company culminating in a billion-dollar transaction in 2022 to form ESL Faceit Group - EFG. Ralf has served as Chairman at EFG, on the mission to create worlds beyond gameplay, where esports and gaming collide. In October 2023, Ralf took on the role of CEO at the Esports World Cup Foundation with a mandate to elevate esports to one of the world's premier sports, while expanding the Foundation as a driving force in its development.

🎙 For the last week of broadcasting tech on the SportsTech Allstars we have Rajat Baweja: Lead, Content Partnerships & Non Cricket Monetisation at Disney Star

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Star Sports. Any opinions expressed should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the company.

Summary

The conversation revolves around sports broadcasting and how broadcasters monetize  the value of sports rights in India. Rajat Baweja, from Star Sports, discusses the strategies broadcasters use to drive their P&Ls to a positive outcome every year. He further explains that the Subscription revenue and the Advertising revenue are the primary ways broadcasters maximize their revenues in India. They also focus on building heroes and engaging with fans to generate value. Rajat mentions that the merger between Disney and Reliance will likely make the merged entity the most dominant player in the Indian sports broadcast ecosystem. He also discusses the monetization strategies for different sports, such as Cricket and Kabaddi. As one of his specializations, Rajat discusses how Star Sports monetizes sports broadcasting rights through advertising and activations. He explains the importance of keeping sponsors satisfied with their investments by offering them unique engagement opportunities with fans. Rajat shares examples of innovative activations, such as using AI to dub Steve Smith's voice in Hindi and incorporating AR technology into broadcasts. He also discusses the process of keeping a look out for and implementing new activations in sports, highlighting the need for constant market research and higher collaboration within the team. In conclusion, Rajat emphasises the importance of delivering great value to advertising partners and enhancing the overall fan experience for sports lovers. 

Takeaways

• Subscription revenue and Advertising revenue are the primary ways sports broadcasters monetize in India

• Building heroes and engaging with fans are one of the most important strategies for generating value in sports broadcasting

• The merger between Disney and Reliance will likely make the merged entity the most dominant player in the Indian broadcast ecosystem

• Different sports have different monetization strategies, such as sponsorships and advertising, and brand solutions

• The value of sports broadcasting rights in India is influenced by market demand and competition

• Star Sports monetizes sports broadcasting rights through advertising and activations

• Keeping sponsors satisfied of their investment involves offering unique engagement opportunities which helps take the brand closer to fan

• Innovative tech based activations include using AI to dub voices and incorporating AR technology into broadcasts.

• Finding and implementing new activations requires constant market research and collaboration within the team.

• Delivering high value to commercial partners is crucial for success in sports broadcasting

🎙 This week on the SportsTech Allstars we have Francis Casado, Head of International Business Development at 3D Digital Venue.

Francis and Rohn discuss the evolution of digital twins and virtual environments in the sports and entertainment industry. Francisco shares how 3D Digital Venue helps venues modernize and simplify venue mapping, enhance online ticket purchase flows, and improve event discovery for fans. They also discuss the revenue opportunities that digital twins can unlock, such as creating virtual experiences and engaging global audiences. Francisco highlights the importance of mobile technology and the shift towards digital consumption in the industry. He also mentions the company's plans for the future, including implementing AI and expanding their reach to more venues.

Summary

• 3D Digital Venue helps venues modernize and simplify venue mapping, enhancing the online ticket purchase flow and improving event discovery for fans.

• Digital twins and virtual environments have become essential tools for venues to communicate and promote their spaces to fans and customers.

• There are revenue opportunities in creating virtual experiences and engaging global audiences through digital twins.

• The market for digital twins and virtual environments has evolved, with more sports entities and venues recognizing their value and adopting these technologies.

• The use of mobile technology and digital solutions in stadiums and venues is becoming increasingly important for enhancing the fan experience.

🎙 This week on the SportsTech Allstars we have Jake Schuster, founder and CEO  of Gemini Sports Analytics.

Jake discusses the evolution of their product and the challenges of selling to sports teams. He highlights the importance of simplifying the user experience and focusing on the needs of decision-makers, such as general managers. Jake also emphasizes the value of early clients and the need to make it easy for investors to connect you with others. He shares his excitement about building a mobile experience for general managers and the potential of componentized models and metrics. Jake also discusses market trends, including the frustration with analytics departments and the untapped potential of tracking data and data visualization.

Takeaways

• Simplify the user experience and focus on the needs of decision-makers.

• Early clients are valuable and should be treated as investors.

• Make it easy for investors to connect you with others.

• Build a mobile experience for general managers.

• Focus on componentized models and metrics.

• Address the frustration with analytics departments and untapped potential of tracking data and data visualization.

This is the last in our series of talking to new sports tech accelerator programs, initiatives and solutions, in lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2024.

In the lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2024, this month we’re talking to new sports tech accelerator programs, initiatives and solutions. (GSTER is a single report covering the three major SportsTech regions i.e. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific- investors, programs, leaders, numbers everything).

🎙 This week, SportsTech ALLSTARS Podcast Presents- Daniel Dümig, Co-Founder at The Venue.Barcelona, The MotherTrees & U-Skale.

Daniel talks about his journey and industry experience in sports, about what The Venue.Barcelona does, its aim, services and more. We also discuss some success stories, key milestones and then about the exciting trends in sports technology, with a lot of valuable insights.

The Venue.Barcelona Music-Sports-Events Innovation Zone, is the epicenter of collaborative innovation. They offer you a space and ecosystem where corporate-startup innovation, collaboration and creativity converge; where the worlds of Music, Sports, and Events come alive via groundbreaking innovation initiatives. The Venue.Barcelona is an innovation playground of 40000m2 and a co-creation space of 1100m2 that hosts 2,000,000 Live Event Spectators and >150 Live Events per year.

In lead up to the 2024 Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report, this month we’re talking to new sports tech accelerator programs, initiatives and solutions. (GSTER is a single report covering the three major SportsTech regions i.e. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific- investors, programs, leaders, numbers - everything).

🎙 This week, SportsTech ALLSTARS Podcast Presents- Jenna Kurath, Vice President of Startup Partnerships & Head of Comcast NBCU SportsTech.

Jenna talks about her journey into sports, why they launched an accelerator program in sports, what startups are they looking for, some success stories, exciting sports tech trends and more.

Comcast SportsTech is where innovation meets the world of sports and entertainment! Go-to source for the latest advancements in sports technology, bringing you cutting-edge solutions that enhance the fan experience, empower athletes and teams, and transform the way we engage with sports. Comcast SportsTech is all about pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in the world of sports. Whether it's immersive broadcasts, real-time analytics, or interactive fan engagement, they’re dedicated to creating game-changing solutions that take sports entertainment to the next level.

🎙 In lead up to the Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report 2024, this month we’re talking to new sports tech accelerator programs, initiatives and solutions. (GSTER is a single report covering the three major SportsTech regions i.e. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific- investors, programs, leaders, numbers everything)

This week, SportsTech ALLSTARS Podcast Presents- Charles Frémont, Manager at UEFA Innovation Hub.

Charles talks about his background as a lawyer, how he got into sports, about the UEFA Innovation Hub and how they select & work with startups, about the Champions Innovate Program, different sustainability initiatives this year, other projects coming up, EURO 2024 being the most innovative UEFA event and more.

Established in 2018, UEFA's innovation hub acts as a sandbox for creating cutting-edge solutions to new challenges, on and off the pitch. By building partnerships and collaboration projects with start-ups, academic institutions and businesses, they harness public and private sector expertise to deliver high-impact innovations that benefit both the European football community and wider society.

🎙 The SportsTech ALLSTARS Podcast Presents- Andreas Westerlind, CCO of SolidSport

Back for a second episode, Andreas talks about the latest updates at SolidSport, how they’re helping sports federations grow their commercial values and fastly make profit and revenue streams from streaming and partnerships related to their media rights, how big tech entering sports broadcasting affects small players and traditional media houses, about the endless possibilities when it comes to collaboration between sports tech companies, what new is coming up at SS and much more.

SolidSport is a leading sport streaming platform that is trusted by sport federations, leagues, clubs and events. On all levels and everywhere. Solidsport offers a complete OTT sports media platform with custom white label design, sport data integrations and unlimited live streaming and on demand possibilities. You can create new revenue streams with their in-built payment system, enabling custom subscriptions and pay-per-view tickets on all content. Companies can also promote partners and strengthen sponsorship offers with ready to go advertising concepts.

🎙 In the last leg of our theme of talking to sports teams, leagues and organizations, The SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents- Luc Mureau, Innovative and Advisory at Johan Cruijff ArenA.

On this episode Luc talks about his background, the innovation and advisory services at the stadium, innovation being at the heart of the arena. He also talks about why innovation is so necessary in this day and age, about their program reimagine football, then sustainability, fan experience and sport performance being the key areas of interest, different challenges faced while implementing these innovations, and what's coming up in the ArenA.

Home of Ajax FC, the Johan Cruijff ArenA is an international leader in sustainability and fan experience. They have digital solutions for mobility, safety, inclusivity and sustainability, drive the area development of Amsterdam South East and contribute to the development of smart cities, such as Amsterdam. The Johan Cruijff ArenA and the stadium surroundings form a living lab. Here, public and private organizations join forces to achieve economic progress.

🎙 Continuing our theme of talking to various innovation leaders in sports teams and organisations, on this week's episode, The SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents- Niels Henrik, Head of SportsTech at DIF Innovation Lab of the Danish Sports Confederation.

Niels talks about the structure of the DIF Innovation lab and how they support different startups, having an umbrella of 62 sports associations. We talk in detail about the ongoing innovation in different sports, their success stories, some of the biggest challenges in innovation, some new exciting tech and what's coming up for the DIF Innovation Lab.

DIF is Denmark's only elite and grassroots sports organisation. 62 specialist associations are organized under the Danish Sports Confederation, housed in the Sports House in Brøndby. DIF is the national Olympic committee for Denmark. DIF Innovation Lab is an initiative of the confederation, built to bridge sports federations, athletes, universities, startups and companies to empower the Danish sports industry and impact people’s lives through sports and innovation.

🎙 On this week's episode, The SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents- Sven Körner, Digitalization and Innovation Lead at Swiss Unihockey- The sports association representing floorball in Switzerland.

On this episode Sven talks about this growing sport Floorball (Unihockey)- it's history, rules, gameplay and his career as a professional Floorball athlete. Post that, how he switched to an administrative role in the same sport with Swiss Unihockey, where he now drives innovation.
We also talk about different areas of innovation for the sport, fans and athletes, other exciting tech developments like human interaction technology, 'Project Iceman', various challenges faced in innovation and what's coming up for Swiss Unihockey.

Swiss Unihockey is a successful, innovative sports association in the Swiss sports world. The Swiss Floorball Association organizes the Unihockey Prime League, the National League B and several regional leagues. The Swiss Unihockey Hub is a new digital solution for the association. The new hub maps game operations for all teams. It offers live broadcasts, highlights, live tickers, results, tables, photos and videos as well as many functions that you know from social media.

#sportstech #sportsbusiness #sportstechnology #sportsbiz

Back after a break, on this week's episode, The Sports Tech AllStars Podcast presents- Teamworks: The Operating System for Sports.

On this week's episode, The SportsTech Allstars Podcast presents- Philip Steyn, Co-Founder and CEO of SportCentrAll- The software development company with a flagship all-in-one Sports mobile App for Schools, Clubs, Coaches, Players and Fans.

Philip talks about growing up in South Africa and his sporting career there, post which he started working in finance in Australia. He started SportCentrAll as a fan engagement solution which developed into an all in one sports app. He talks about his 4 year journey of building the product before launching last year. Listen to the full episode to know about their journey, successes, challenges and upcoming projects.

SportCentrAll® was created with a clear vision: To make a significant contribution towards the development of players and athletes around the world and help them reach their full potential. SportCentrAll has built an entire sporting ecosystem that is designed to provide easy and affordable tools to help clubs, schools, athletes, players, coaches and administrators achieve their goals. All in one, single app.