SportTech’s Inflection Point: AI, Capital, and the Future of Sports Innovation

The global sports technology market has grown significantly, reaching $24.23 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach $45.48 billion by 2029. Drivers include globalization of sports, AI ticketing, robotic officiating, smart stadiums, wearable biometrics, and immersive fan engagement platforms.

Over the past five years, more than $58 billion flowed into SportTech through funding and M&A, resulting in 38 unicorn companies. Notable deals include Infinite Reality’s $3 billion financing in January 2025 and historic $86 billion in total deal value across more than 1,100 transactions in 2024.

Leading SportTech Hubs

• India: $3.1B raised over five years, mobile-first dominance
• Japan: strong gaming and tech integration
• Finland: leading European startup ecosystem
• Jacksonville & Washington D.C.: top U.S. cities for funding

Emerging Leagues and Formats

Leagues like The Hundred, Kings League, and Baller League use tech-driven formats to attract younger audiences, with $1.2B raised across new formats in 2024 alone.

The next wave will be driven by AI infrastructure, predictive analytics, and immersive fan technologies, with strong investor appetite across performance tech, media, and fan engagement sectors.