Spotlight on Tech Innovation in Sports: Chris Freet's Insights on the Teamwork Online Podcast
In a thought-provoking episode of the Life in the Front Office podcast, Chris Freet, SVP of Innovation at WMT Digital, discusses how technology is reshaping the sports industry.
Episode 14 of the Teamwork Online Webinar Series, titled "Technology in Sports: Powering Fan Experiences and Operational Efficiency," explores the crucial role of data-driven platforms and the collaborative approach needed to drive innovation in sports.
Chris sets the tone with the statement: “We need our platforms not simply to be for engagement, not simply to be for storytelling, but to be active data engines.” He emphasizes that the future of sports technology lies in harnessing data not just to entertain but to fuel strategic decisions and unlock meaningful insights for teams, leagues, and fans alike.
He also discusses the importance of adaptability in tech adoption within sports, noting that with the rapid evolution of digital expectations, teams must be prepared to innovate continuously. Chris explains how WMT Digital’s solutions are built with flexibility in mind, empowering teams to make data-driven decisions while staying agile enough to meet new demands.
A cornerstone of WMT Digital’s philosophy is its commitment to collaboration. Chris highlights this by saying, “Our approach has always been to meet our partners where they are. Be consultative. It's not our strategy—it's the strategy they're trying to execute.” This mindset ensures that every solution is tailored to a partner’s specific needs, helping them achieve their goals with precision and impact.
Chris also touches on the emerging technologies transforming the industry, including artificial intelligence and personalization. However, he stresses the foundation required for these advancements: “AI is part of it. Personalization is part of it. But none of that is possible without data. Organizing that data, empowering a team to bring in the great data they're getting, and combining it with the 10-30 other data sources makes it impactful. That opens up the opportunity for personalization at the team and league-level, and really interesting AI opportunities.”
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology is driving the evolution of sports fan engagement and operational efficiency. The conversation provides a roadmap for leveraging data and digital tools to create transformative experiences on and off the field.
Catch the full conversation here to hear more from Chris and gain insight into the exciting advancements redefining the sports experience.