How AI Can Be Used To Improve Sports and Entertainment?

In the past year or so, Artificial Intelligence has stepped into the spotlight and even though we all knew where the world was headed, most of us were surprised at how quickly AI became good.

AI already impacted many industries opening many new opportunities for people that were not possible in the past, and the sports and entertainment industry isn’t prone to this movement.

In this article, we're diving headfirst into how AI is shaking things up in the realms of sports and entertainment. Trust us, it's a total game-changer!

Predictive Analytics

If you've watched "Moneyball" and wondered whether that kind of data-driven decision-making exists in the real world of sports, the answer is a resounding yes, courtesy of AI.

Predictive analytics is the name of the game, crunching colossal datasets to optimize player performance, discover hidden talents, and formulate game-winning strategies.

Can you imagine if in the future the AI is able to predict the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Winner?

With that said, it is safe to say that predictive analytics cannot be always right, even if they operate with huge piles of data.

Let’s take horse racing as an example. This is a sport where the outcome of a race depends on multiple factors such as weather conditions, horse conditions, previous races, jockeys, trainers, and more.

Even though AI is becoming better at predicting an outcome, the human element of betting will still remain the same. There is a potential use of AI for analyzing races, but the decision will come down to the bettor.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Let’s move all things aside and focus on what’s important – health! As of now, there isn’t really a way to predict an injury, and most sporting organizations focus on improving the rehabilitation process.

But with the introduction of AI and working with big data, machine learning technology can predict an injury of an athlete or horse based on their vital signs.

For example, this can decrease horse deaths in the sport which is the leading concern in horse racing and what makes the sport unethical.

Coaches and medical staff can use this data to develop personalized training and rehabilitation programs, reducing the risk of injuries and helping injured athletes recover faster.

AI in Entertainment

AI's reach extends far beyond the world of sports. In the entertainment industry, it's rewriting the script—literally.

Hollywood has harnessed the power of AI to analyze audience preferences, predict box office success, and even generate scripts.

AI can also be used in sports for managing big events and making sure that the fans are getting the entertainment they came from. From broadcasting live data to VR and AR technologies to drones that autopilot giving different angles of the event, AI can help make sport more entertaining for sure!

Fan Engagement

Sports would be nothing without their fans. You’d think that sporting clubs would spend millions of dollars on athletes if nobody was interested. Of course not.

Involving fans in the sport and improving their engagement is one of the best ways to make the sport more entertaining. And with the help of AI, this is possible.

For example, AI can be used for interactive game simulations, personalized content, virtual assistants, chatbots, and the list goes on.

Real-Time Highlights

Imagine watching a live game, and suddenly, AI swoops in to serve you the choicest moments on a silver platter. No more fumbling with fast-forward buttons during dull segments; AI's real-time highlights reel is your ticket to a more fulfilling sporting experience.

It's akin to having a popcorn machine that pops only the best kernels—pure, unadulterated excitement, bite-sized, and ready for your enjoyment.

Immersive Experiences

We already mentioned VR and AR, but let’s talk more about their impact on the sporting and entertainment industry.

First of all, what’s the point of VR and AR?

AI's mission isn't just to enhance; it's to immerse. Through Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), supercharged by AI, you're not just a spectator anymore; you're the superstar.

These technologies transport you to the heart of the action, whether it's a courtside view of an NBA finals game or exploring fantastical realms in a sci-fi blockbuster.

Can you imagine, getting a POV camera angle from a winning horse of the Breeders’ Cup race? It doesn’t get any better than that. VR was already introduced on the Kentucky Derby, but the technology can go much further.