The Future of Sports App Development: What to Expect in the Coming Years?

A sports app is no more than a treasure for sports lovers.

Right, isn’t it?

Nothing is more exciting than watching our favorite team play on our smartphones, which was a fantasy earlier, successfully turned into a reality. 

What’s more?

Sports app revenues could generate $520 million in 2023. This means that more apps will be developed in the future and increase interest in sports insights.

Why are we telling you? Because we want you to make the most of this opportunity.

So, are you excited to unveil the opportunity? If yes, keep reading this guide created by the top mobile app development company and lay a foundation for the progressive years. 

Statistics in the Sports App Market

Although sport has been an integral part of human life for many years, it is now more influential than ever in different spheres, like entertainment, fitness, or a healthy lifestyle. Here are some statistics that lay out the relevance of investing in fantasy sports platforms. 

• The app is used by approximately one hour per day, which is quite a bit more than they spend on their daily jobs.
• Statista data for 2019 shows that 64% of mobile app users aged 18-27 accessed sports content via mobile apps. Users aged between 28 and 35 enjoyed apps that offered sports content. 62% of users aged 36-43 used sports apps to keep up with the latest news in the industry. This suggests that targeting the sports industry will ultimately reach a broad audience of people between 18 and 43.
• In 2022, the average revenue is estimated at US$ 3,959 millions. This proves that a sports app can promise massive revenue growth.

The above statistics indicate that targeting sports app development in 2022 is an intelligent decision due to its steady growth and stable future. So the question is, “Which type of app, what trends, and what mobile app ideas do you need to follow for sports app development?” 

Don’t be worried!

We will have an answer to it in the next section!

Why should you develop your own sports app?

Still in doubt about your decision to go further with your idea of the best mobile sports betting app or not?

If yes, ensure to read further the reasons focusing on why you should invest in sports app development. The pointers below will clearly resolve all your doubts about funding into the same.

So, are you excited to learn further?

If yes, just move in!

Increased User Engagement

Sports are our emotions!

We cannot simply ignore our favorite player breaking records. And as with several OTT platforms, the urge to watch the match or any tournament keeps on growing. The future will unveil many opportunities for businesses to grow if they today invest in their own sports application. So, it’s time to lay a seed for profitable growth. If you want to get more insight into the same, Get in touch with the experts of Techugo. 

Huge Customer Base

Every age group loves sports!

Whether it be football, cricket, basketball, or any other sport, every one of us loves them without any limits. We often spend extra to buy a jersey, basketball, football, or cricket bat of our favorite team. If this is not the love of sports, then what else. A huge customer base will always uplift your decision to make a revenue-generated sports app while taking assistance from top-notch developers. It’s time to make a decision that will create a drastic change in the world. We at Techugo are always with you on this journey. Therefore, don’t hesitate to make us your technological partner. 

Brand Collaboration

Collaboration has been in a high peek. Several influencers and startups have been emphasizing its use to make the most of it. 

And do you know what?

Your own sports app can help you collaborate with sports celebrities. 

Isn’t it a joke?

No, it isn’t! We are telling the truth.

If you want to connect with the sports people and attract investors to your business, creating a brand image with your own sports app is mandatory. Whether it be food, healthcare, edtech, and the eCommerce industry, each domain has been creating the success of millions of startups while prioritizing investment in digital solutions. You must also craft a product that will show your win in the number of downloads and user engagement rates.

Sport Mobile App Types that Reinforce Your Brand Image

Now that you have decided to develop your own sports app, it’s time to learn about which app idea you can adopt. So, without any further delay, let’s dig deeper into this section and learn ahead!

• Many applications are available for personal use that users use to track their training progress, monitor their heart rate, and manage their activities. These applications can also be used to locate nearby sports partners or to rent equipment together.

• There are also technological solutions that have entered the business side. These products allow clubs and venues to manage their teams, resources, and customers, strengthening relationships with them and generating more revenue.

• The global sports app market also includes live streaming, tournament, and news apps. These apps, embedded with advanced features, offer customized news and score updates for your chosen teams and leagues. In addition, they often allow users to access videos and expert analyses of the games.

• Another app type that is worth your attention is one that’s dedicated to a particular team, such as Manchester United or FC Barcelona.

These apps are popular because they target the fans of a particular team. They are also supported by sponsors and team organizers and promoted on their official websites.

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Fantasy Cricket Apps

Digital Trends Arriving in 2023 for Sports App Industry 

Many fitness apps today can be connected to external trackers or smartphones. Users can use the GPS function to determine running distance and speed and share their accomplishments through social sharing.

Gamification

Combining game elements with sports activities can increase user motivation and fan engagement. Users can also use it to have fun while running, watching, or playing sports.

AR and VR

Augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are defining new trends in the sports industry. Although many people love to watch their favorite sports matches live in the stadiums. The virtual reality gear allows users to feel like they are in the stadiums during sports matches. It is becoming a popular trend for sports apps to offer VR. 3D systems such as Hawk-eye, used in soccer, tennis, cricket, and other sports, provide an incredible experience. Imagine users directly seeing Hawk-eye on their phones using AR technology. You can offer your users AR and VR-based sports games, allowing them to play their favorite sports through their apps.

AI and ML

Apps are becoming more intelligent thanks to advanced technologies like machine learning. You can deliver an artificially intelligent user experience by embedding machine learning algorithms into your sports app and providing personalized content. For example, news apps can offer the most relevant sports news, while broadcasting apps can provide highlights and live, more engaging matches. Artificial intelligence can also help users answer frequently asked questions. It suggests the best answers ahead of time without human intervention or support.

Unique Ideas for Sports App Development

Let’s look at some sports app ideas that you can use to help your next project with an increase in app downloads.

• Apps for Sports Coaching and Training

These are the best sports apps that enable athletes to manage their health and improve their skills by collaborating with trainers. Users can book personal trainers or participate in online group coaching and video training sessions.

Example: CoachUp. Hudl

• Fantasy Sports Mobile Apps

The fantasy apps allow users to create virtual teams of players and compete against each other based on their statistical performance in actual games. After logging in and verifying their OTP, the fantasy app workflow looks like this: Select the match and choose the competition. Fantasy apps allow sports fans to virtualize the game and create their teams. Also, they are very popular with their fans.

Example: CBS Fantasy Sports, DraftKings

• Live Streaming and Live Score Apps

We often find live streaming in Sports News apps; there is also a variety of Sports apps solely focused on Live Streaming. Live streaming apps let users watch any sports or leagues. These apps are popular as one of a kind of the best sports betting apps and have a lot of followers. This means that they can be monetized well. You should implement a live chat feature to make the app more user-friendly so that athletes can interact with each other. The Live Streaming apps typically have simple UX/UI, filters & search for channels, and Chromecast support.

Example: FotMob. Soccer Scores and Livescore.

• Sports Betting App Development

While sports are a great way to watch, investing in them makes it exciting. Many countries have legalized sports betting. There are many types of betting available, from traditional betting with a central bookmaker to online betting platforms like ZenSports. Mobile sport betting apps today use many business models. Some use the internal currency, while others use the bitcoin exchange.

Example: Betmgm, Caesars

• App for Sports League Management

The coaches, while using league management apps, can tackle their teams with online schedules and notifications while eliminating the need to maintain emails and spreadsheets. Apps enable the league to organize matches and training sessions, invite team members for events, analyze statistics and invite them to events. They also allow team members to prepare lineups and formations before starting the games with their teammates.

Example: Sports Illustrated Play and Engage Sports

• Sports eCommerce Store

These eCommerce apps sell products related to sports, such as clothes, equipment, food, and more, to both professional and amateur players. These apps offer product catalogs, personal profiles and categories, search & filter, reviews, product pages with photos & descriptions, favorites, shopping baskets, checkout, payment gateway, and other features.

Examples: Spikeball. IAAF World Championships Hospitality.

• AR/VR Sports App

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are hot buzzwords in sports app development. It allows users to experience real-life experiences when integrated into an app. For example, AR & VR technology can be used to create a feeling of being in a stadium when live-streamed. Want to learn more about these twos? Ensure to get in touch with our experts at Techugo, the best sports app development company. 

Example: At bat, NBA AR.

Also Read: Virtual Reality: The Artist Itself in the World of Art!

• Book Sports Events App

These apps allow users to order food and drinks online, buy tickets online, use indoor and outdoor maps, place orders, and even participate in group activities. These apps are beneficial for event organizers as they provide detailed information about events, feature replays, and social functions so that users can share their experiences with others via social media. In addition, the event app includes features such as a schedule, information on organizers and sponsors, indoor and outdoor maps, ticket booking, and pre-ordering.

Example: Spyn, GoSporto.

• Sports News & Analysis App

The Sports contains team statistics, scores, interviews, and news about the upcoming event. Also, these apps offer live streaming of games and news, podcasts, and video recordings. 

Example: Bleacher Report. Yahoo Sports.

Features to Create a Power-Packed Sports App

1. Profile of the user

A profile allows your users to create an identity that lets them explore their passions within the community. A profile enables a sports fan to connect with friends and take part in live chats about events.

Consider Twitch as a streaming service. Here, fans can create profiles and share their views with the community.

2. Newsfeed

Keeping the content updated via a newsfeed is essential to ensure users return. One way to provide content that stays relevant is to allow users to follow and bookmark their favorite players and teams.

3. Real-time data

It is a must for any sports app. It is a great way to keep fans returning to your digital solution having premium features. Also, you must include a summary of statistics, records, achievements, and career money lists.

4. Push notifications

Sport is a fast-paced world. Push notifications are a great way to keep your fans informed about the latest news and ensure they don’t miss any. They have a reminder and a way to return. It’s crucial to ensure you get the proper push notifications – too many or not giving people the ability to choose their preferences are surefire ways to lose users.

5. Payment Integration

These are four ways Gamification can transform your professional life for the better.

Users might be interested in purchasing tickets for sports events or merchandise from their favorite teams. They should not enter their bank card numbers to make this purchase. To make payments fast and seamless, you might incorporate the native Google Pay and Apple Pay mechanisms into your app. These payment methods are steadily growing in popularity on a worldwide scale. You should be able to monetize your app, thanks to them.

6. Search

Mobile App Testing: Avoid These Pitfalls

These are just a few examples that your users might be interested in searching for:

• Games
• Players
• Statistic
• Analytics

It wouldn’t suffice to put an icon with a magnifying lens somewhere in the corner and then let people type their queries. Instead, the search bar should be capable of autocompleting words and phrases based on statistics from the most requested questions (predictive search).

Your app may also offer limited search. For example, it might only allow users to search within the relevant categories or sections, such as Player Info or Ticket Sales.

You should also add the filtered search to let them manifest their research. For example, they might only be interested in tickets in a particular price range or events in their locality.

7. Social Media Integration

Social media integration allows fans to be social and share their content on their social networks easily. This opens up new opportunities for your content to be discovered by more people, regardless of whether they are sharing their opinions about recent games or their achievements.

8. Additional Work

Any effort that makes fans’ lives easier will increase their likelihood of returning. Make certain product functions available even when the internet is down. This will allow fans to continue enjoying sports content during downtime. Moreover, you can increase your user base in a sporting context by allowing people to catch up on newsfeeds and player stats whenever they wish.

MONETIZATION MODEL FANTASY SPORTS OPERATORS

1. REWARDS AND PARTICIPATION FEE

Participation fees are the primary source of revenue for fantasy sports apps. App operators can make huge profits by hosting multiple events and charging players a minimal fee to play. Besides, operators can make huge profits by deducting a small percentage of the participation fee and entry fee.

Most of the rewards earned from this fee are returned to the user. Experts recommend hosting multiple fantasy sports: the more events, the greater the revenue.

2. INDIRECT REVENUE

Many indirect revenue sources are available for those who aren’t interested in the fantasy sports industry. According to research, a football fan can spend over $500 per year on merchandise, entry fees, prizes, and other related things to their favorite sport.

The most lucrative business opportunities are in the sports-related merchandise and equipment industry. Sports fans spend a lot on equipment and t-shirts for their favorite players and other items related to their favorite teams. Therefore, it is simple to open an e-commerce shop for this merchandise and start a business.

3. ADVERTISEMENT & MARKETING

Advertising on the most popular and downloaded apps is one way to get the attention of targeted audiences to your brand and services. This is not only an excellent opportunity for your best mobile sports betting app to make a profit through these ads, but it is also beneficial for the brand. Furthermore, paid advertising is a popular way to quickly reach a large user base.

Fantasy sports operators can make a lot of money by charging a branding fee to promote their services on your platform. For such media, join hands with the top sports app development company.

4. SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

Some fantasy sports operators prefer to have their services hosted on one platform, while others prefer to use hybrid apps to cover both iOS and Android devices.

A web page or cross-platform app development is a great way to promote the services. It allows you to reach a large user base across multiple platforms and devices, which equals massive revenue generation. It is not cheap, but it can help you establish a business.

5. FREE LEAGUES

Free stuff is a great thing! Everyone likes it, and fantasy sports operators reap huge benefits. They only offer free leagues to get the maximum number of users on their platform. However, after users have registered, they can offer lucrative and varied opportunities.

6. SPONSORS FEES

Many sponsors and brands are willing to pay cold cash for the promotion of fantasy sports apps. To increase the reach of their platform’s targeted audience, brands seek big businesses to promote it. Keep in touch with brands and services that are related to sports. You will be their first choice when it comes to brand promotion.

Techugo, A Way to Reach Your Dreams!

The sports industry is a global and multi-billion dollar. If you can enter this market, you’ll reap the benefits. If you are thinking of organizing or promoting sporting events, a digital solution is a good option. 

It will prove to be an excellent asset for your business. Techugo is the place to go if you have questions or are looking for skilled developers. We can offer high-quality services as the top sports app development company. Contact us today to create the perfect sports app that turns out into a digital asset, meet your needs, and brings your ideas to life.