The sports industry is expanding across technology, investment, media, commerce and physical space—and the lines between those categories are getting harder to separate.
Deloitte’s 2026 global outlook describes artificial intelligence as an emerging operating layer that can connect siloed parts of a sports organization. Early uses may appear in the back office, but the implications extend to fan service, ticketing, safety, content, venue operations and decision-making.
Capital and ownership models are evolving at the same time. Multi-property groups increasingly connect teams, media, commerce and technology across larger portfolios, while the value of rights, franchises and women’s sports continues to grow.
The physical side of sports is changing too. Stadiums and surrounding districts are becoming year-round entertainment and economic assets rather than single-purpose game-day buildings.
WHY IT MATTERS TO GAMEPLAN
GamePlan is built around the convergence Deloitte describes. The people buying technology, forming partnerships, operating events and developing venue business need a connected marketplace where ideas can move across traditional industry silos.