How will artificial intelligence change sport and recreation? 

What are we seeing?  

• Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have transformed industries, with generative AI like ChatGPT finding applications in research, finance, healthcare, and security, while raising concerns about existential risks and socioeconomic impacts. 
• AI is affecting jobs globally, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggesting it impacts 40% of jobs, extending beyond physical tasks to white-collar roles. 
• AI applications are expanding into sport and recreation, while concerns about deep fakes and disinformation have prompted regulatory efforts, though their effectiveness remains uncertain. 

What can we expect?  

• More sophisticated AI models will emerge, combining text, visual, and audio information, and enhancing functionalities like natural language processing, creative content generation, and AI-powered automation and robotics.  
• AI will affect the number and quality of jobs, automating some tasks while enhancing others with AI-enabled tools. It may also transform industries like sports betting, art, entertainment, and advertising. 
• As AI systems become more sophisticated, there are concerns about their potential to make decisions that negatively impact humanity, and the need for evolving regulations to address intellectual property and copyright. 

What might this mean for sport and recreation?  

• AI enhances sport and recreation with deeper insights, optimised training, and accurate officiating for coaches, athletes, and teams. 
• AI improves fan experience, sports management, and equipment design through personalisation, automation, and blockchain technology. 
• Concerns exist about AI's potential to make decisions that negatively impact human values, and challenges around data ownership and use. 

What questions should we be asking ourselves today?  

• How can AI-powered analytics optimise training, tactics, injury prevention, and strategies for athletes and teams? What data sources and models are most beneficial? 
• How can AI enhance the fan experience and engagement through immersive technologies, and what ethical considerations must be addressed? 
• How can AI contribute to sport and recreation equipment design, and what policies and governance frameworks are needed to ensure responsible and ethical use?