Although competitive sports can often be decided by the individual or team that is performing on the platform in which the event takes place, there is no denying that big data has played a huge role in helping to take the action to a whole entire new level.
To define what big data is, it can simply be understood as being data that is larger and more complex, but can provide an untold number of insights that could then be used to an advantage by those who acquire it.
Indeed, in recent years, there have been a number of professional sports clubs within the elite leagues of their discipline all around the world to have used big data more recently, with many continuing to apply the latest trends and analytical data to their tactics and strategies in order to win.
The data that is collected will be in real-time, thus providing the analysts who continue to study it with updates and the ability to create deeper insights than ever before about an individual or a team and the way in which they perform.
Whether it be in regards to soccer, American Football, basketball, or ice hockey, statistical and analytical data is constantly being used by organizations around the league to try and find a competitive edge and exploit any weakness that the other team may have.
How, though, does big data help these organizations? Let’s take a look at some of the points in which it can clearly have an impact and help to improve the entire sporting experience, as well as the performances that take place on the field in which the events are competed on.
Teams and individuals
As highlighted above, teams and individuals who compete as a solo competitor will be able to use big data to their advantage as it will be able to provide them with a deeper insight than ever before whereby, they can look to find a number of strengths and weaknesses that they and their opponent may have.
The introduction of the technology has taken away some of the guesswork that used to be required by those that made decisions, as they will now be able to receive data sets that provide them with the evidence that they need in order to try and make the right decisions. Departments of analysts will typically study and analyze the data that has been provided in order to work out the best approach to follow.
Naturally, the performance of the individual or team on the day is what will achieve the right result, thus still making the sport as exciting as possible to watch as it still remains unpredictable. This will keep those that enjoy placing a bet on the NHL using a legal online gambling site in PA or any other competitive sport on their toes and keep the excitement level acquired as high as possible, as well.
Media
The media is one of the biggest winners of the introduction of big data analytics, as well, as they will be able to provide their viewers with a broadcast that is more immersive than ever before. Commentators will now have the statistics available to them that they can then use when calling the action to provide a greater and more knowledgeable broadcast, whilst the network can also use the information acquired to display the important graphics that fans will want to know about.
Furthermore, replays have benefitted greatly because of big data, as new information can be used to help support why the replay is being made and all the data behind it, such as distance, shot speed, angles etc. to help provide further context.
Additional revenue streams
It probably does not come as a surprise to learn that big data can provide those that use it with an additional source of revenue. This is simply down to how important the data has become for those that use it and those that are interested in reading about it.
For example, there are a number of companies all around the world that will sponsor certain aspects of a broadcast, such as replays or even the clock. With more money being able to be obtained through it, those that receive it will be able to benefit, therefore potentially helping them to improve the sporting performance that everyone will witness.
Fans
Last but not least, fans have also been big benefactors of the introduction of big data within sports and have found that they are able to have an impact on the sports performance that is enjoyed. As mentioned earlier, those that watch broadcasts on TV are able to get more and more information than they ever before, with each of the stats provided having been captured in real-time, thus giving them a greater understanding and appreciation about what is happening.
This, ultimately, allows supporters to feel closer to the action, as they will have a better understanding of what is happening, which could then create a closer bond with the team or individual that is being watched, which will then allow for more revenue to be enjoyed, which in turn will then potentially allow for further improvement in sports performance.
