Big Data is the New Star of Sports

In the world of high-performance sports, where every fraction of a second is crucial, data analytics has emerged as the new technological star, transforming the way athletes train, teams compete, and coaches make strategic decisions. How does it achieve this? By processing millions of data points, which are invaluable in sports, and using various metrics to describe game models, space occupation systems, and player characteristics.

Its benefits are so significant that it has become an indispensable weapon in the strategy of the world's leading sports entities. This trend is continually growing. According to the latest report from research consultancy Grand View Research, the global sports analytics market is expected to reach $14.41 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 22.3%.

The Power of Data

Data analytics has become a fundamental pillar in the world of sports, transforming how games are played, managed, and enjoyed. Many sports institutions use it to gather intelligence on rival teams and design the most suitable strategies based on their own and their opponents' characteristics. Moreover, the detailed analysis of plays and game patterns allows coaches to optimise tactics and formations, maximising team performance.

In the realm of athlete development and care, this technology is invaluable. By processing sports, physical, biometric, chemical, and genetic data, personalised training models are designed to prevent injuries and muscle overloads. It also helps to identify and nurture talent from youth categories, tracking the progress of promising young athletes to ensure a solid foundation.

The benefits extend beyond the field of play. In financial and commercial management, analytics optimises ticket and subscription pricing based on demand, evaluates return on investment in signings, and segments the market for more effective marketing and sponsorship strategies. Even logistics are improved, with optimal travel planning and efficient use of facilities.

Fan experience has also been enhanced. Through the analysis of audience data and social media behaviour, organisations create personalised digital content, improve the stadium experience by reducing queues, and use gamification and fantasy sports to increase engagement. Television broadcasts are enriched with real-time statistics, making each match more informative and exciting.

Finally, analytics contributes to the integrity of sports. By detecting anomalies, it helps prevent fraud and monitors fair play, ensuring that the spirit of sportsmanship prevails. Thus, data analytics not only improves performance and experience but also safeguards the fundamental values of sports.

Success Stories

The data intelligence revolution in sports began in American baseball. In 2002, the Oakland Athletics, after a poor season, hired an economist who proposed building the team based on statistical calculations. They incorporated undervalued players with potential according to the data, resulting in a streak of 20 consecutive victories. This case, immortalised in the film "Moneyball", demonstrated how intelligent use of data can be decisive in sports.

In the NBA, basketball has been transformed by Big Data. The Golden State Warriors are a prime example. Using systems like SportVu, which divides the court into a 3D grid and captures 20 images per second, they identified the most efficient shooting zones for each player. By adapting their strategy to this data and led by Stephen Curry, they won three championships between 2014 and 2017.

In football, Barcelona FC has been a pioneer. In 2012, they hired Raúl Peláez as Head of Knowledge and Analysis. Under his direction, the club developed an analytics system that not only evaluates traditional statistics like goals and assists but also advanced metrics such as pass quality, defensive pressure, and the impact of each action on the game. This has influenced decisions on signings, game tactics, and even the methodology at La Masia, their famous academy.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's direction, has fully embraced analytics. They have a team of over 20 data analysts working on everything from injury prevention to game strategy. For instance, they analyse each player's passing patterns to optimise ball circulation and study opponents' movements to adjust defensive pressure. This data-driven approach has contributed to their dominance in the Premier League, winning four titles in five years (2018-2022).

Solutions That Support

To implement these solutions, it is crucial for clubs and federations to have the backing of expert technology partners who can advise them on selecting and integrating the best cloud-based analytical tools. Many tools are available in the market to help sports entities efficiently manage teams and players through data processing.

SAP, with its SAP Sports One and SAP Global Sponsorships solutions, is one of the most significant providers, offering a premium package tailored to the needs of sports entities, supported by quality service and successful implementations like that of German football team Bayern Munich.

A New Paradigm

Big Data in sports represents a true paradigm shift. In locker rooms where once only the voices of coaches and players were heard, now a new language resounds: the language of data. This is why many clubs worldwide are incorporating expert analysts into their ranks, working hand in hand with coaches and physical trainers. This trend is not limited to sports giants; smaller clubs and lower leagues are also investing in analytics, the new star of the sports firmament.

In a world where the difference between glory and oblivion can be a single point, a goal, a second, or a pass, data analytics emerges as an increasingly powerful necessity. No one wants to be left out.