IBM survey reveals strong demand for AI engagement among sports fans

A recent survey conducted by IBM reveals a notable shift in the preferences of sports fans towards the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their viewing experiences. With over 20,000 fans from 12 countries participating, the findings indicate that 85% of respondents appreciate the benefits of AI in sports, while more than half are interested in AI-generated commentary and insights about games.

The survey results also show a high level of engagement with mobile sports applications, as 73% of fans reported using these apps for updates and interaction. Key factors enhancing fan engagement include the need for real-time game updates, identified by 35% of respondents, and personalized content, cited by 30%. Furthermore, 51% of fans are turning to video highlights to stay engaged outside of live events.

Looking to the future, 80% of participants believe that technology, particularly AI, will play a significant role in shaping sports consumption by 2027. Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Partnerships at IBM, remarked on the readiness of fans to integrate AI, indicating that measures are being taken to fulfill these evolving expectations across digital platforms.

Moreover, the survey noted that 35% of sports fans intend to increase their viewing of live content in the next two years, indicating changing consumption patterns beyond conventional viewing approaches.