World Series Tech: AR, AI, and 5G Fans Can Use Now

The World Series is here, all set to dazzle millions of baseball fans with smart strategies and explosive action.

It all began more than a century ago, and since then, the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) has undergone major transformations. It’s no longer just a broadcast—it’s a global showcase where tradition meets tech innovation.

We have seen over the years how technology has impacted baseball. It began with basic data analysis, moved into some quantitative modeling, and later brought in tools like advanced cameras, radar, and machine learning systems to improve broadcasts and engage fans.

In recent times, sports events have evolved even further along with technological advancements, and now it is experienced through data, AR, VR, and interactivity. Today, disruptive fan-experience technology is reshaping both in-stadium and at-home viewing, offering more personalized and interactive ways for fans to connect with the game.

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How Statcast, AR, and 5G Power Today’s Ballpark

Major League Baseball (MLB) has long been at the forefront of technology. The league’s use of data has evolved over time, from the early days of simple data analytics through sabermetrics, which involved empirical and statistical analysis of baseball, to the current era of Statcast AI.

Statcast is a tracking system that captures and analyzes huge amounts of baseball data. The MLB first installed pitch tracking hardware in each of its stadiums back in 2008 and then installed Statcast in 2015. This advanced tracking system allowed for the collection and analysis of real-time data in the field.

While initially it only consisted of a combination of camera and radar systems, Statcast has since moved to high-speed camera systems and, more recently, to AI to create new, engaging experiences for fans.

In a way, MLB’s Statcast kicked the analytics era into mainstream visibility, giving teams and broadcasters precise, broadcast-ready tracking of pitch spin, exit velocity, sprint speed, and more. All this data enabled coaches and managers to make informed decisions on player lineups and bullpen management, while broadcasts and apps could communicate that to fans in real time. 

Teams and broadcasters are now transitioning deeper into fan-centric technologies through AR overlays, mobile interactivity, smart stadiums, and VR viewing.

For instance, they are providing real-time player metrics on top of live video, conducting instant polls, offering alternate camera angles, synchronizing second-screen stats, and making use of Wi-Fi and low-latency 5G to deliver low-lag features to on-site and at-home audiences.

While VR and 360° streams are beginning to make their way into sports for a more immersive and engaging experience, they are still niche because of hardware limits. But they definitely represent an emerging frontier for premium or subscription experiences.

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5 Fan-Tech Platforms Elevating the World Series

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced people to stay indoors, technologies have become extra popular in the world of sports, due to their potential to not just provide fans with the same intense experience that they would on the field but even enhance it by providing an even more immersive and interactive way to watch sports events.

So, let’s now take a look at some prominent innovations and platforms leading the sports and tech convergence.

1. ARound – Stadium-Wide Augmented Reality

There’s a growing appetite for digitally-enhanced experiences among sports fans, especially younger audiences. And one of the leading companies meeting this appetite head-on is ARound, which creates a stadium-wide AR platform for live sports, allowing fans to use their smartphones to interact with the same shared AR experiences. 

Fans typically access ARound experiences through a dedicated mobile app or a team-integrated app like MLB Ballpark’s “Twins AR.” Newer activations may run via mobile web for quick participation, but most in-stadium features still require the app.

This way, ARound enables massive multiplayer gaming, real-time visual effects, and other interactive elements to connect the live event with digital content, bringing all the fans together, no matter if they are watching the game in the stadium or from the comfort of their home.

To make all of this happen, the platform utilizes 3D spatial computing, which creates shared AR experiences that thousands of fans can participate in simultaneously from their seats. Notably, AR elements are localized to the stadium, which means experiences provided are specific to each venue and team. 

By seamlessly combining Broadcast AR and Mobile AR, ARound creates unforgettable shared experiences and connects fans to the action like never before. It is essentially turning a passive crowd into an interactive digital community.

ARround’s tech has already been used by big-league teams like the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Rams, and at NBA events to make live games more interactive and fun for fans.

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2. MLBAM: Statcast AR, 360° Replays, and VR Games

Source: Harvard

While AR and VR implementations are not yet that widespread in stadiums, they are gaining traction among sports leagues to create an attractive virtual experience for fans. 

MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), the technology arm of Major League Baseball, is one that has been majorly involved in both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Their initiatives range from immersive in-stadium experiences to enhancing at-home viewing and creating standalone games. 

The company’s AR efforts have been focused on overlaying real-time statistics onto the live game experience. This includes the incorporation of Statcast AR in the MLB Ballpark app. Fans attending a game only have to point their iPhone at the field to see a layer of real-time statistics and graphics such as ball trajectory, launch angle, play stats, and speed and lead distance of runners on base. The company has added Intel’s True View volumetric replays technology to all this data to create 3D-rendered replays from multiple angles.

As for MLBAM’s VR initiatives, the company places fans right in the middle of the action by offering them options for immersive games and live broadcast viewing.

The game MLB Home Run Derby VR is released on the Meta (META -2.65%) Quest, Steam VR, and Rift PCVR platforms, evolving significantly since its launch. Players can step up to the plate and experience as well as compete in a virtual Home Run Derby in any of the 30 major league ballparks. Key features of this 3D environment include multiplayer and tournament modes, leaderboards, realistic batting mechanics, advanced motion controls, and customization options.

A brand new Progression system allows players to advance through up to 100 levels and master their skills. Then there’s a Clubhouse, a custom space that reflects the player’s favorite team, personal achievements, and ability to invite friends to kick off a friendly tournament.

Such a tech has vast potential for the World Series; just imagine, a regular individual getting behind home plate via headset, this can open a premium VR experience.

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3. Sportradar 4Sight: AI Overlays and Betting-Ready Streams

Data is an immensely powerful resource that is reshaping industries, including the sports sector. Here, data analytics helps sports leagues gain unique and richer insights into their fan preferences. The data is also utilized by companies to roll out new services in stadiums, such as self-service retail.

Among sports technology innovators, Sportradar is particularly attracting the most eyeballs through immersive experiences for fans, powered by AI-powered data overlays and replay systems showing pitch trajectories and player biometrics. The analytics-rich feed is turning fans into data analysts in real time, bridging performance data and fan engagement

Being a partner of organizations like the MLB, NBA, NHL, FIFA, NASCAR, UEFA, Bundesliga, ITF, and ICC, Sportradar covers close to a million events annually across all major sports.

Using this extensive coverage, the company employs advanced technology like computer vision and optical tracking systems to collect a massive volume of sports data and then process it with the help of deep learning algorithms to generate insights, which are leveraged to power a wide range of services that personalize and enhance how people consume and interact with sports.

Meanwhile, its data-rich products enabled media partners to create compelling content and gaming operators to get real-time odds and live statistics.

Sportradar’s streaming tech, 4Sight, is currently helping its media and other partners boost revenue and develop a closer relationship with their audience.

The 4Sight technology “creates a deeply engaging, data-rich viewing experience that captivates modern fans and elevates sportsbook content strategies,” said Erich Zach, VP, product, audiovisual, Sportradar. He noted that the development of 4Sight was driven by “growing demand for greater real-time sports insights, personalization, and data visualization.”

This technology integrates computer vision, ML, and AI capabilities and includes a real-time, data-driven animated overlay, which visualizes predictive models and contextual statistics at low latency, into a live stream. The AI models behind the tech processes deep datasets to deliver actionable information, resulting in an interactive viewing experience that can be leveraged to engage customers.

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4. Smart Stadiums: Wi-Fi 6/6E, 5G, and Edge Compute

A speedy and reliable fan experience depends on a good internet connection. As Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer of the NFL, said:

“Connectivity is the modern-day 12th man in any stadium. To make gameday successful and provide a fresh experience for fans and clubs alike, you need a network capable of powering something extraordinary.“

The answer to this is 5G, which can offer unprecedented levels of speed, capacity, latency, support, and reliability. 5G is what enables a smart stadium, providing the kind of connectivity that’s needed to power enhanced fan experiences and improve operational efficiency.

SoFi Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Allegiant Stadium are some prime examples of smart stadiums with high-bandwidth fan connectivity. These venues were designed from the ground up with 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and edge computing infrastructure.

In addition to faster internet, which means better ability to watch replays from different angles, capture and share favourite moments, access real-time stats on apps, order concessions right from mobile, and enjoy interactive seat experiences, 5G creates a solid foundation for complex, data-intensive real-time video streaming and AR and VR applications.

The ultra-low latency of 5G is crucial for in-game AR overlays, real-time betting, and synchronized multi-camera feeds, as even a single-second delay in these cases can ruin an experience.

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5. Next Up: True View Replays, Digital Twins, Metaverse Venues

While 5G powers the physical stadium, the next wave of experimentation is blurring the boundary between physical and virtual even further. 

Technologies like Intel’s True View allow broadcasters and fans to experience replays that can be explored from multiple angles. The company utilizes dozens of high-definition cameras that record the entire space, which creates a 3D model of the action, while powerful computers analyze the data and create immersive highlights for fans to experience from any angle.

By allowing for immersive, 360-degree replays, it significantly boosts the game-watching experience. From the NBA to the NFL and the Premier League, several big players have tested versions of this system, giving fans a new perspective and cinematic control over live moments. 

Teams and leagues are also developing digital twin stadiums, which are 3D replicas of physical venues that update in real time using IoT data. These twins solve the complex logistical challenge of stadium management, where accessibility, security, and fan experience have to be balanced. Stadium digital twins also help with traffic flow, parking optimization, and maintenance planning.

This leads to lower costs, reduced operational waste, more efficient resource allocation, reduced wait times, increased concession sales, and higher fan satisfaction. 

Digital twin stadiums also form the foundation for metaverse-style watch parties where global fans can gather as avatars in shared virtual spaces to socialize and interact with virtual merchandise. They allow for a shared, immersive experience regardless of a fan’s physical location.

Just last year, Manchester City launched a ‘Man City Virtual Etihad Stadium‘ in partnership with Sony to deliver a new interactive fan experience. Fans can create personalized avatars and participate in daily challenges, minigames, social events, and co-creation functions here. 

All these technologies are still in the early stages of adoption, but they preview what the fan experience could be like over the next decade. Virtual experiences, after all, unlock new global audiences, new sponsorship space, more personalized options, and cross-platform engagement data that traditional broadcasts can’t deliver.

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Why This Matters: The Business of Immersion

The key to making users feel present and engaged is immersive tech, which creates more interactive and realistic environments. 

In sports, these emerging technologies help build deeper relationships with fans by offering them memorable experiences, thus not just creating stronger connections but also more loyal customers. Sports fans aren’t just watching their favourite athletes or team play passively; rather, they are engaging with them in a more personalized and emotional manner.

The virtual element of the tech also makes it affordable for fans to enjoy the games that they like, as they don’t have to bear the financial burden of travel, tickets, and accommodations. This further removes geographical limitations, making events like the World Series accessible to a much bigger audience. And the larger the fanbase, the greater the revenue-earning opportunities.

These fans trade their attention for interactive experiences, an exchange that utilizes data as a form of engagement. Here, fans often willingly share their preferences and viewing behavior to receive custom camera angles, virtual tours, gamified stats, custom highlights, game replays, and loyalty points. This data can then be utilized for targeted and interactive ads, premium upsells, digital merchandise, and sponsorships.

Challenges and Growing Pains

While the global sports technology market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.10%, from $32.47 billion in 2025 to $139.41 billion by 2032, it is not without its challenges.

The issues are multifaceted. On the hardware front, app fatigue is very real, so much so that people are now downloading fewer applications than ever. Global app installs have declined by 2.3% while in the US, the drop has been 3.4%. There are just too many apps, and not enough people to use or care about them. 

Moreover, only 10 to 15 apps become daily staples while smartphone users actually explore as many as 100 apps annually.

Another major hardware challenge is the struggling VR headset adoption. Global VR headset shipments dropped by 15% QoQ in Q2 2025 amidst continued weakness in consumer demand. This is due to high costs, user discomfort, issues of ergonomics, and technological limitations like processing power and display resolution.

Then there are technical hurdles in terms of latency, data rights, and privacy. Not only does developing a robust data strategy require skilled personnel, complete data sources, and financial resources, but data ownership and security also present key challenges.

Cultural tension is yet another barrier to sport tech adoption and growth. Baseball and football fanbase deeply cherishes tradition, and modernization risks putting too much focus on improving efficiency and engagement at the expense of the sport’s core identity and soul, thus making it critical for leagues to balance innovation and tradition.

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The Future of Fan Engagement

Technology is rapidly advancing, and the sports industry is taking advantage of these innovations to bridge the gap between fans and teams. Fans, after all, are the heart and soul of sports. They inspire athletes to perform their best, while teams give fans a sense of belonging and shared identity.

So, it’s critical that teams and leagues continue to enhance the fan experience, both online and inside stadiums. In the coming years, we can expect to see the evolution of immersive fan tech to include AI avatars and virtual hosts that not only create feeds and provide live commentary in native languages but also act as interactive guides.

Personalized camera angles, custom-made viewpoints, and interactive betting may also become a key part of this new era of fan engagement. At the same time, greater use of AI-driven analytics, with a focus on privacy, will enable enhanced personalization without compromising user data security.

But of course, widespread deployment of immersive tech won’t happen overnight. This will take time, with major championships like the World Series to increasingly serve as testing grounds for new fan-tech rollouts. Their massive audiences and engaged sponsors will help assess the feasibility of augmented overlays, sponsor activations, or VR feeds.

To put it simply, immersive fan technology is the future of sports, marked by high attention and high stakes!

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