The Opportunity
Sports is big business. According to The Best-Howard Model, the global sports industry was worth $2.3 trillion in 2019 (even slightly larger than Pharma), and it will continue to grow. The American sports market, the largest in the world, is approximately one-third of this global sports industry. It’s evident that the U.S. sports market, given its scale and prominence, stands as a global leader in both business and innovation. The market continues to be at the forefront with substantial investments not only in the local sports industry but also in global sports events hosted within the U.S.
The US is leading the way in the use of data innovation in sports across American schools, colleges, and universities. For the Dutch sports industry, the American sports sector is very attractive as a market for innovative products, services, and technologies. The Dutch sports sector is constantly developing and innovating, from greening sports locations to youth and talent development, fan experience, athlete performance, vitality and diversity and inclusion. The US market embraces innovation to gain momentum over its competitors.
Major international sporting events will hosted in the US over the coming years, such as the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, World Baseball Classic (WBC) in 2026, FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Additionally, it is on rare occasion that three Formula 1 Grand Prix races (Las Vegas, Austin and Miami) will be hosted in the US. Altogether, this demonstrates optimal momentum from the internal US sports market and offers enormous opportunities for Dutch companies and organizations.
The STIB-US program aims to unlock these opportunities by providing unique exposure, connections and preparation. The program is open to all areas of sport technology innovation, yet will pay additional attention to solutions in the following areas:
- Athlete performance solutions: Be better solutions in data, mental performance, specialty performance, coaching
- Sport infrastructure solutions, facilities and operations: grass solutions, smart stadiums and ID solutions, traffic and transport, sustainability (energy, water, greening)
- Fan engagement & event solutions: smart camera’s, smart ID, social media solutions
- Community empowerment & social impact solutions: mental health, racism and discrimination topics
Previous participants are encouraged to participate again. We have the same set-up, but will cover new topics during the workshops.