## The Future is Now: 2025 Sports Business Awards Spotlight Tech’s Game-Changing Impact
The roar of the crowd, the sweat of victory, the thrill of the game – sports have always been about pushing boundaries. But in 2025, the game is changing faster than ever, and technology is leading the charge.
This year’s Sports Business Journal’s 2025 Sports Business Awards are shining a spotlight on the tech innovators reshaping the landscape. From immersive fan experiences to data-driven strategies and cutting-edge training methods, we’re exploring the game-changing technologies that are redefining what it means to be a fan, a player, and a business in the world of sports.
Transforming the Sports Industry
The sports industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with technology playing a vital role in transforming the fan experience, venue operations, and franchise management. The 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech, presented by Sports Business Journal, recognizes the most innovative and impactful technological advancements in the sports industry.
Best in Immersive Technology: Redefining the Fan Experience
Immersive technology has revolutionized the sports fan experience, providing unparalleled engagement and interaction. The nominees for the Best in Immersive Technology category include Cosm, StatusPro, Noche, UFC, and Proto Hologram, among others. These companies have pushed the boundaries of innovation, offering fans a more immersive and engaging experience.
For instance, StatusPro’s NFL Pro Era provides fans with a realistic and interactive gaming experience, allowing them to step into the shoes of their favorite NFL players. Similarly, Proto Hologram’s partnership with ESPN, Canon, and Meta has enabled the creation of stunning volumetric highlights, providing fans with a more immersive viewing experience.
Best in Venue & Franchise Operations Technology: Streamlining Operations
The nominees for the Best in Venue & Franchise Operations Technology category have demonstrated exceptional innovation in streamlining venue operations, enhancing the fan experience, and driving revenue growth. The nominees include MLB, PMY Group, Retailcloud, Softtek, and Wicket, among others.
MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry system, for example, has significantly improved the fan entry process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall fan experience. Similarly, PMY Group’s OPTIC retail platform has enabled franchises to optimize their retail operations, resulting in increased revenue and improved customer satisfaction.
Best Technology Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of Partnerships
The nominees for the Best Technology Collaboration category have demonstrated the power of partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the sports industry. The nominees include LAFC, Ticketmaster, Wicket, Axess AG, Tapin2, and Mashgin, among others.
The partnership between LAFC, Ticketmaster, Wicket, Axess AG, Tapin2, and Mashgin, for instance, has enabled the use of facial recognition technology at BMO Stadium, providing fans with a seamless and secure entry process. Similarly, the partnership between Learfield, OneTeam Partners, and EA Sports has enabled the deployment of EA Sports College Football 25 game’s NIL deal, providing college athletes with a new revenue stream.
Rising Stars and Visionary Leaders
The sports technology industry is driven by visionary leaders and rising stars who are shaping the future of the industry. The 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech recognizes these individuals for their outstanding contributions and innovative spirit.
Next in Sports Tech: Rising Female Leader – The Future of Sports Tech
The Next in Sports Tech: Rising Female Leader award, presented by Next League, recognizes the outstanding achievements of female leaders in the sports technology industry. The nominees for this category include Noele Crooks, Rebecca Dyer, Prithvi Gandhi, Ami Kumar, Leah Royer, and Kelli Sullivan, among others.
These women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, driving growth and innovation in the sports technology industry. They are the future of sports tech, and their contributions will shape the industry for years to come.
Technology Executive of the Year: Visionary Leadership in Sports Tech
The Technology Executive of the Year award recognizes the outstanding achievements of technology executives in the sports industry. The nominees for this category include Craig Borsari, Gary Brantley, George Hanna, Dustin Myers, and Julie Souza, among others.
These executives have demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and innovation, driving growth and transformation in their respective organizations. They have played a critical role in shaping the sports technology industry and will continue to do so in the years to come.
The Awards and Beyond
The 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech is a culmination of the most innovative and impactful technological advancements in the sports industry. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals, companies, and partnerships that are shaping the future of the industry.
The Selection Process: Evaluating Innovation and Excellence
The selection process for the 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech was rigorous and thorough, with a total of 43 finalists selected from over 60% more submissions than the previous year. The review committees looked for innovation, creativity, industry influence, and organizational excellence and leadership.
The nominees were evaluated by a panel of SBJ-selected external judges, who will choose the winners in each category. The winners will be announced and recognized live during SBJ’s three-day Tech Week conference in New York City next March.
What’s Next: The Winners and the Future of Sports Technology
The winners of the 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech will be announced in March, but the impact of their innovations will be felt for years to come. The sports technology industry is poised for exponential growth, driven by innovations in areas such as AI, immersive technology, and venue operations.
The winners of the awards will be at the forefront of this growth, shaping the future of the sports industry and driving innovation and transformation. Morningpicker will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the sports technology industry, highlighting the latest trends, innovations, and developments.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Revolutionizing the Sports Industry with Innovation
As we reflect on the 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech – Sports Business Journal, it’s clear that the sports industry is at the forefront of technological advancements. The recognition of trailblazing companies and individuals who have leveraged technology to disrupt and transform the sports landscape is a testament to the industry’s willingness to innovate and evolve. Key takeaways from the article highlight the importance of data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, and social media in shaping the fan experience, driving revenue growth, and enhancing team performance.
The significance of these technological advancements cannot be overstated. As the sports industry continues to grow and globalize, the need for innovative solutions to engage fans, improve operational efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition becomes increasingly pressing. The winners of the 2025 Sports Business Awards: Tech – Sports Business Journal have demonstrated that technology can be a powerful catalyst for growth, driving revenue, and creating new opportunities for teams, leagues, and brands. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the sports industry will continue to be a hotbed of innovation, with technology playing an increasingly central role in shaping the industry’s trajectory.