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Sky Sports, Comcast launch global sports tech accelerator

Open to any company regardless of their location

Sky Sports and parent company Comcast NBC Universal have launched a new initiative aimed at technology innovation in sport.

SportsTech is based in the US, but is open to any company regardless of their location. It aims to provide Sky Sports with early access to emerging tech, enabling it to evaluate the practical possibilities of incorporating the innovations into its productions and broadcasts.

NBCSports, Gold Channel, NASCAR, US Ski and Snowboard and USA Swimming are also involved in the launch.

According to Comcast, staying at the forefront of sports tech will provide significant strategic advantages across its businesses, enabling the company to invest in sports tech startups, license technology, acquire technology, and integrate technology into its businesses.  

It also expects the initiative to provide it with early insights into changes in fan behaviour and trends related to innovation and technology in the sports space as well as benefit from a continuous stream of high-quality sports and technology content that will come out of the accelerator activities and events.

Sky Sports will sit on the SportsTech Advisory Board and influence which startups become successful applicants.

Applications to the SportsTech scheme open today and will run until 15th May.

Beginning in August 2020, SportsTech will offer a three-month custom-tailored programme for 10 startups. Initial focus areas will include technologies and products in several key categories: 

  • Sports Media & Entertainment
  • Fan & Player Engagement
  • Athlete & Player Performance
  • Team & Coach Success
  • Venue & Event Innovation
  • Fantasy Sports & Betting
  • esports
  • Business of Sports

More details are available via the programme’s website.