From goal-line technology to wearable fitness devices, sports tech is growing at a rapid pace and boosting engagement for sports fans and advertisers

Officials check the new goal-line technology at Stamford Bridge in 2013
Officials check the new goal-line technology at Stamford Bridge in 2013 CREDIT: GETTY
From goal-line technology to wearable fitness devices, sports tech is growing at a rapid pace and boosting engagement for sports fans and advertisers
Sports and businesses have broken new ground with a raft of advances. Providers of leading-edge technology have also become attractive to investors.
UK-based company Hawk-Eye, the ball-tracking technology company for which Sony paid £20m in 2011, sealed a five-year deal in 2013 thought to be worth £10m to become the provider of Premier League goal-line technology.
Digital products can also help sports to better engage with, and therefore monetise more effectively, their fans. Retro-fitting stadiums with wireless technologies helps fans use social media, and venues to sell services, during games.
Statistics available on mobile devices have become big business too. Opta, which provides sports data to BSkyB and BBC, was sold to the Perform Group in 2013 for £40m.

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