Thursday, July 16, 2026

$12T IoT Market Could Help Grow Sports, Fitness Companies

  • The IoT industry could provide outsized returns in the sports and sports adjacent industries over the next decade.
  • McKinsey estimates that the industry as a whole could be worth up to $12.6 trillion by 2030.
Design: Alex Brooks

In early November, consulting firm McKinsey & Company released a study on the global Internet of Things — IoT — market. According to the report, the IoT industry could unlock up to $12.6 trillion in value by 2030. The IoT industry spans a wide array of verticals, including the sports and fitness industries.

Whether it’s smart stadiums, connected fitness, or commerce, IoT and the connectivity of devices has the ability to fundamentally change industries. From the Olympics to the Tour de France to Major League Baseball, new IoT technologies have helped enable interconnectivity and fan engagement.

Overall deal activity for IoT technologies has already reached $10.9 billion and 611 deals across various markets.

In September, the NFL signed a new 10-year deal with Verizon worth $1 billion. One of the key tenets of the deal was a shift in focus from content generated to technology utilized.

  • The deal includes 5G Multi-View, which allows fans to see seven different live camera angles and AR overlays of Next Gen Stats.
  • Last year, Verizon invested over $80 million to pilot the 5G Multi-View at Super Bowl LV in Tampa.

Wearables, fitness, and health monitoring are another significant use case. Companies such as Whoop, Oura, and Apple will likely see increased adoption and more use cases as 5G technology takes over.

If you want to learn more about the impact of IoT on the sports industry, check out Front Office Sports Insights.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bears’ Indiana Stadium Plans in ‘Red Zone,’ Governor Says

The NFL team is drawing closer to a long-awaited stadium decision.
Jul 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) greets designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) after scoring a run against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field.

Rays Tout New Stadium Designs As Funding Talks Continue

The club unveiled interior ballpark designs while funding negotiations continue.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Mexico v Ecuador - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - June 30, 2026 Mexico fan poses for a picture outside the stadium before the match

Why Beating Mexico at the Azteca Is So Hard

England will have to battle not only Mexico, but also altitude challenges.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation With USWNT Alumni Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.

Caleb Williams’s Investment Playbook: ‘No Vices’

The Bears QB has put money into sports, tech, and wellness start-ups.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Reggie Bush speaks on unionizing college football players during the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the University Club of Pasadena in Pasadena, Calif. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
March 5, 2026

Former NFL Pros Launch PE Firm for Emerging Leagues

Terrence C. Murphy and Reggie Bush are targeting $150 million for their debut fund.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Pro Team Valuations Are Set to Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
December 27, 2025

‘Why Not the Dodgers?’: How Billie Jean King Became an LA Owner

“Getting involved with the Dodgers literally changed our lives,” Ilana Kloss says.
December 23, 2025

Ben Simmons Buys a Sport Fishing Team

“I think I can really help this league grow,” Simmons told FOS.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot Scampi waves to fans during Opening Day baseball against the Gwinnett Stripers on March 29, 2024.
December 17, 2025

Private Equity Dives Further Into Minor League Baseball

Seven MiLB teams have changed hands in the last week.