A new global research study commissioned by IBM shows that fans are changing the way they consume sports, turning to new, more dynamic experiences, including the use of AI, personalization and real-time features.

The survey queried more than 20,000 global sports fans across 12 countries, asking them about their habits in consuming sports of all kinds. The results showed that those fans increasingly view technology — particularly AI — as a positive force and that they are using it more often. Total AI usage among fans has grown since 2024 across nearly all markets, with 85% of respondents noting that they saw value in integrating the emerging technology into their sports experience. In addition, 63 percent expressed some level of trust in AI-generated sports content, noting that real-time game/match updates (35%) and personalized content (30%) were their top priorities for AI-enhanced engagement.

The survey also asked fans how often they attend in-person events, with 73% around the world saying that they attend at least one event per year.

When it comes to the digital experience of consuming sports, over half (51%) of the fans surveyed turn to video highlights, with 37% enjoying post-event recaps and 32 percent staying connected to their sport by consuming player interviews. Dedicated mobile sports apps are also important to sports fans: Nearly 75% use them to stay updated.

Social media also remains the leading platform for accessing additional content, with influencers play a prominent role: 59% of fans surveyed engage with influencers for analysis and predictions.

Habits May Shift Again

The survey also shows that fans’ consumption of sports is not only changing now, but will likely continue to change in the future. Only 27% of surveyed fans expect those habits to stay the same over the next two years, with 80% saying technology – specifically AI— will have the greatest influence on how they follow sports by 2027.

More than half (56%) of surveyed fans want AI-powered insights and commentary for past, current and future sporting events. And advances in tech may open up new avenues for future fans in countries where they don’t speak the language. One-third of responders said real-time translation technology will have the most significant impact on their international sports experience in the next 2-3 years — particularly in markets where English is not the dominant language.

“The sports media landscape is more complex than ever, and fans are comfortable consuming digital content around the clock,” said Kameryn Stanhouse, IBM’s vice president, sports and entertainment partnerships. “With fans signaling their readiness to embrace AI, we will continue working with our tournament, league and media partners to meet fans where they are, whether they’re watching the action in person or enhancing their second-screen experience.”
To access the full report, click here.

A longtime coach is making his return to competition this fall at Fenwick High School. Kyle Perry, who coached boys water polo from 2012 to 2023, has taken over the Friars’ boys golf team, replacing another longtime coach, Jerry Kribs. 

“I am excited to be [varsity] head coach,” said Perry, who served as the head coach of the junior varsity team and was Kribs’ varsity assistant the last three seasons. “Having worked with Coach Kribs over the past few seasons, he has left me with a great group of gentlemen. These guys love to play golf and love to grind out results.” 

Fenwick returns seven golfers from last season: seniors Ryan Brennan, Johnny Cox, Aidan Haefner, Conor Hanley, Michael McMahon, and Luke Sherlock; and junior Alex Kulisek. Newcomers are freshman Marco Cefalu; juniors Clayton Dine, Danny O’Donoghue, James Papp, and Jay Raber; and senior Lee Sheahan. 

West Virginia Wesleyan was picked fourth in the Mountain East Conference preseason South Division poll, which named Wheeling and Charleston as the North and South favorites based on votes by the league’s 11 head coaches.

Women’s Volleyball | 8/19/2025 8:00:00 PM

August 19, 2025-Emporia State returns a two-time All-MIAA selection at the setter position.
 
Brailee Bogle is a two-year starter and has twice been named honorable mention All-MIAA. She ranked fourth in the MIAA in assists last season. With 56 career matches played and 1,941 career assists, understands the offensive system the Hornets want to run and has taken on a strong leadership role this year.
 
Delainee Dexter is in her first year at Emporia State. She is an athletic, dynamic athlete who can excel at many different skills. She will be attacking as well as setting for the Hornets. She graduated high school early and enrolled in the spring of 2025 and was able to develop her understanding of the game at the collegiate level.
 
The Hornets will open the regular season in San Diego, Calif. on Thursday, September 4 against Point Loma.  The first home match is scheduled for Friday, September 26 against Missouri Western and will be the MIAA opener.
 
Setter Notes
The setter group has one junior and one freshman.
Both setters started their careers at Emporia State.
Both setters are from Kansas.
 
Setters

Part of the proceeds from an upcoming baseball game will go to help a local athlete recovering from a serious injury.

Mississippi College Athletics says that half of the money from “Choctaw Night” next Tuesday at Trustmark Park, the home ballpark of the Mississippi Mud Monsters, will support Grayson Foster with medical expenses.

Foster, a track-and-field athlete at Mississippi College, was critically injured in a single-motorcycle crash in June and left the ICU earlier this month. As a result of that crash, Foster had one leg amputated; meanwhile, his right arm was fractured and surgically repaired.

The Mud Monsters host the Gateway Grizzlies on Aug 26. Gates open at 5:30.