February 17, 2025

Baby toddler early development. Wooden stack and count rainbow colored learning game. Child learn colors and numbers

Sports fans are some of the most dedicated fans in the world. Whether they’re packing into stadiums to watch live games, backing their favorite team on social media, or betting on futures markets, fans like to get involved in diverse ways. Even during the offseason, every group has an activity that helps them feel connected while they wait for the season to restart. 

As technology continues to evolve, these forms of engagement have improved. One of the most popular ways is via gaming. Even though eSports tend to focus on games like Counter-Strike and Dota 2, there are official, league-sponsored eSPorts leagues for simulations.

For example, the Premier League, NFL, and NBA all host their own fully branded and licensed eSports leagues. Fans who are also savvy with a controller can literally represent their team on a virtual pitch, field, or court. For many fans, there’s no better way to feel like they’re part of their favorite franchise.

Still, not all tech-based fan experiences are focused on gaming—and not all fans are actually interested in console or PC gaming. Most prefer to watch, study, and analyze their top leagues. Let’s take a closer look at how technology is revolutionizing this aspect of the fan experience.

Live Betting

As mentioned up top, sports betting is a hugely popular way for fans to engage. While it’s always great to potentially win big, the real reason many wager is to put their analytical skills and knowledge to use. As US sports betting opportunities expand, so does the reach of betting technology. 

By far one of the coolest experiences available today is live betting. Live betting, also called in-play betting, is when sportsbooks release and update their lines as a game progresses live. Major injuries or last-minute comebacks can influence these lines, and live spectators can take advantage of wagering during live games. Just be sure to start off slow if it’s your first-time live betting—the action moves quickly both literally and figuratively.

Fan-First Data

Sports analysis has advanced in the last decade thanks to new forms of technology. The most important for analysts has been remote sensors. These sensors work in a variety of ways; some are wearable, while some ping off of other devices throughout a stadium. But the goal remains the same: to pick up copious amounts of data that can be used to analyze the game from a numbers perspective.

This push toward big data has revolutionized how many teams train. For fans, it’s given them the opportunity to work with the same type of information that league pundits and analysts have. For example, the NHL launched its puck and player-tracking initiatives back in 2019. The program has since evolved into a tightly run data-collection system that can be used by broadcasters and fans alike.

Next-Level Simulations (VR, AR)

Similar to data acquisition, simulations have also left their mark on the world of sports analytics and training. Using VR and AR-based programs, teams can selectively train every single player, paying respect to injuries, areas for improvement, and overall fatigue. Almost every major league has at least one VR simulation that’s used to train players. 

Fans are also starting to see how these types of experiences will pan out for them in terms of entertainment. For example, NFL Pro Era is a new release from StatusPro that includes real-life NFL teams that run on league stats. Think of it like a new type of Madden release. Players are able to fully immerse themselves in every game thanks to VR technology.

They can compete in Super Bowl games before a screaming crowd, which emulates what real-life players go through during the postseason. But it’s not all about scoring touchdowns in the championship game. The goal of NFL Pro Era is to let players behind the scenes of what it’s like to be on a major league team. They can hone their skills in passing drills and mini-games that mirror real-life NFL training sessions.