Sports analytics may be outnumbered when it comes to artificial intelligence

BOSTON: The sports analytics community may be facing a new challenge with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports. The individuals responsible for revolutionizing sports with strategies like eliminating the sacrifice bunt in baseball and emphasizing 3-point shooting in the NBA are uncertain about the impact of AI in sports, whether in management or on the field. Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey expressed his amazement at the complexity of AI during the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, admitting that even after creating AI systems, there are aspects of its results that remain incomprehensible.

The MIT conference, known for bringing together sports enthusiasts interested in crunching numbers, featured a strong focus on AI this year. Sessions examined various ways in which generative artificial intelligence could transform the landscape of sports, including discussions on baseball strategies, broadcasting Olympic content, and utilizing AI for player tracking in soccer games. Morey, a founding member of the conference, participated in a panel that explored the potential applications of AI in sports, touching on topics such as scheduling, player safety, advertising, ticket sales, and enhancing broadcast experiences.

Kevin Lopes from ESPN drew parallels between AI and the iPhone, suggesting that AI has the potential to revolutionize sports in a similar manner by allowing individuals to create new applications and tools. Despite the uncertainties surrounding generative AI, experts remain intrigued by the possibilities it offers. AI innovations are constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the world of sports.

Former professional baseball player turned broadcaster, Carlos Peña, highlighted the potential for AI to assist batters in improving their performance by identifying and eliminating blind spots. While acknowledging the skepticism from traditionalists who believe intuition cannot be replaced by analytics, Peña emphasized that the goal is to enhance intuition rather than replace it. Christopher Jackson from the Olympics emphasized the role of AI in creating engaging content for fans of niche sports worldwide, with the challenge of aligning Olympic planning timelines with the rapid developments in AI technology.

Julie Souza from Amazon Web Services shared how AI is already making a significant impact in sports, such as the NFL saving millions of dollars annually through AI-driven scheduling. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can predict potential injuries and help improve player safety. The influence of AI in sports extends beyond the field, with insights from sports analytics benefiting other sectors like the military.

Morey disclosed that the 76ers utilize AI for streamlining routine tasks, although the technology has yet to surpass human capabilities in predictive modeling. Despite the uncertainty and potential risks associated with AI, he stressed the importance of embracing this evolution to enhance business operations and performance. As AI continues to advance, the sports industry must adapt and leverage these technologies to stay competitive and ensure the safety and success of athletes. Embracing AI is not without its challenges, but it presents opportunities for growth and innovation in the world of sports.