The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast

SportsTechX

Showcasing outstanding startups and initiatives in the global Sports Tech ecosystem, including accelerator & incubator programs, innovation hubs and major events. Are you looking for trends, new technologies or cooperation & investment opportunities? Here's where you can find them. The podcast is hosted by SportsTechX, a leading source for data & insights about Sports Tech. For further info, such as reports, market overviews or a global SportsTech database, go to www.sportstechx.com.

  1. Inside German Football's Innovation Engine - Hendrik Weber, DFL #254

    4 DAYS AGO

    Inside German Football's Innovation Engine - Hendrik Weber, DFL #254

    In this episode of the Sports Tech AllStars Podcast, we present Hendrik Weber, SVP of Sports Innovation at the DFL (Deutsche Fußball Liga). The conversation explores how German football built the data infrastructure behind one of the world's most-watched leagues, how 3D markerless tracking is reshaping the broadcast product, and how the DFL thinks about its role in fostering sports tech innovation - from startup access to market consolidation dynamics. Takeaways Centralised tech provision to all clubs lifts the competitive baseline across the entire league - not just the top 3D markerless tracking is at a genuine inflection point, with EA Sports' acquisition of TRACAB signalling where broadcast storytelling goes next Market consolidation in performance tech is natural, but monopoly dynamics create pricing risk - the DFL actively works to keep new entrants coming in Invitation-only event formats change the depth of conversation and the quality of knowledge exchange The betting and fantasy gaming segment is the next area to watch for a consolidation wave The DFL sees performance and media as interconnected - stronger on-pitch product drives commercial upside Sports Innovation in Düsseldorf has become a must-attend event because it combines live sport, real technology demos, and genuine cross-sport exchange To learn more about the DFL, visit: https://www.dfl.de Get in touch with Hendrik Weber at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-weber-dfl Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  As promised, here's your small surprise: Unlock your 30-day growth plan (worth €49) on the SportsTechX Intelligence Hub for free! Simply verify your company details and you get access to 1,500+ investors, programmes, initiatives and events in the sportstech ecosystem. Here's how to get set up and if you'd like a walkthrough of the platform, feel free to book a call here. More from SportsTechX: Explore the SportsTechX Intelligence Hub, an interactive database of over 8,000 sports tech companies, 8,000+ deals, 1,000+ investors, programs and events - HERE Download the latest Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report - HERE Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech - HERE  Stay Connected and follow for more: LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:38 What Sports Innovation Is and Why the DFL Builds It  04:30 The Innovation Games Format 06:30 3D Markerless Tracking and the EA Sports / TRACAB Integration  10:00 The DFL's Two Mandates  13:50 Centralised Club Tech and the Sky Germany Virtual Broadcast POC  17:30 Market Consolidation in Performance Tech  20:45 Where the Next Consolidation Wave Hits 22:00 Hendrik's Career  26:00 What's Next: Operationalising Event Learnings and the Project Pipeline  27:30 Favourite Sporting Moment

    29 min
  2. Revolutionizing Soccer Training: The TOCA Football Journey #253

    31 MAR

    Revolutionizing Soccer Training: The TOCA Football Journey #253

    In this episode of the SportsTech All-Stars Podcast, we present Eddie Lewis, Founder and President of TOCA Football. The conversation explores how a self-taught training method, built around a tennis ball machine, became the foundation of one of the most well-funded sports tech companies in the world, and how TOCA Football is now expanding beyond youth training into competitive socialisation with TOCA Social. Takeaways A self-developed training concept can become a $200M+ business if the underlying insight is strong enough Legacy team training formats are inefficient at addressing individual technical gaps in soccer players TOCA Football's tech evolved from a basic ball machine to an adaptive, AI-driven training system Competitive socialisation is a macro trend reshaping how fans engage with sport beyond playing or watching Performance tech is moving downstream — from elite clubs to everyday players and youth programs Youth sports investment is accelerating and remains a high-conviction area for operators and investors The 2026 World Cup in the US is a once-in-a-generation commercial moment for the soccer industry Teams and venues that build a flywheel between training and entertainment will define the next era To learn more, visit: https://www.tocafootball.com Get in touch with Eddie Lewis at: linkedin.com/in/eddielewis Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  STX Intelligence Hub: sports tech company, investor, and deal database: intelligence.sportstechx.com As promised, here's your small surprise: Unlock your 30-day growth plan (worth €49) on the SportsTechX Intelligence Hub for free! Simply verify your company details and you get access to 1,500+ investors, programmes, initiatives and events in the sportstech ecosystem. ⁠Here's how to get set up⁠ and if you'd like a walkthrough of the platform, feel free to book a call ⁠here⁠. More from SportsTechX: Explore the SportsTechX Intelligence Hub, an interactive database of over 8,000 sports tech companies, 8,000+ deals, 1,000+ investors, programs and events - ⁠HERE⁠ Download the latest Global Sports Tech Ecosystem Report - ⁠HERE⁠ Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech - ⁠HERE ⁠ Stay Connected and follow for more: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Apple Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:14 The Origin of TOCA Football and Eddie's Playing Career  07:05 Why Individual Technical Training Didn't Exist in Soccer  09:59 Raising $200M and Finding Product-Market Fit  14:17 How TOCA's Technology Has Evolved  15:27 Playing Alongside David Beckham at LA Galaxy  17:53 TOCA Social and the Competitive Socialisation Trend  21:14 Macro Trends in Sports Tech Investment  26:13 The 2026 World Cup Opportunity and What's Next for TOCA 30:49 Favourite Sporting Moment: 2002 World Cup

    35 min
  3. Redefining Sports Ticketing for the Digital Era #252

    12/11/2025

    Redefining Sports Ticketing for the Digital Era #252

    In this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast, we present Jordy Leiser, Co-Founder and CEO at Jump. The conversation explores the challenges and innovations in the ticketing industry for professional sports, highlighting the dominance of legacy players like Ticketmaster and the need for a more integrated business model. Takeaways -There hasn't been a truly innovative model in professional sports ticketing. -Legacy players like Ticketmaster dominate the ticketing space. -Attempts to innovate in ticketing have faced significant challenges. -The ticketing system is often separate from other team operations. -A patchwork approach to ticketing is not effective for business. -Teams need a cohesive strategy for ticketing and operations. -Innovation in ticketing could transform the sports industry. -Understanding the legacy of ticketing is crucial for new entrants. -The current ticketing landscape is ripe for disruption. -A new model could enhance the fan experience and team operations. To learn more, visit: https://www.jump.com Get in touch with Jordy Leiser at: linkedin.com/in/jordanleiser Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports. Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://intelligence.sportstechx.com/ Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:31 Innovative Ticketing Solutions for Sports teams 08:02 Building a Unified Fan Experience 11:00 Case Study: Timberwolves and Their Digital Transformation 16:55 Implementation Challenges and Successes 21:08 The Future of Jump and Market Trends

    32 min
  4. The Evolution of Sports Tech Nation #251

    06/11/2025

    The Evolution of Sports Tech Nation #251

    In this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast, we present Nelly Kranz, Strategic Alliances & Investors Relations at Sports Tech Nation. The conversation revolves around SportsTech Nation, a global sports tech event that aims to connect startups, investors, and industry leaders. Nelly discusses the evolution of the event, its focus on innovation, and the importance of networking through the Investor Summit. The role of Colosseum Sport in supporting startups and fostering connections within the sports tech ecosystem is also highlighted, emphasizing the growing interest in sports technology and its potential for transformation in the industry. Takeaways -STB aims to connect startups with industry leaders. -There will be 120 startups and 150 investors at the event. -Focus areas include retail tech, data analytics, and fan engagement. -The Investor Summit is designed to facilitate connections between startups and investors. -Colosseum Sport supports startups with investments and strategic partnerships. -Networking is crucial for innovation and startup success. -The event is a B2B conference targeting key decision-makers. To learn more, visit: https://www.sportstechnation.com Get in touch with Nelly Kranz at: linkedin.com/in/nelly-kranz-6887887b Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports. Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://intelligence.sportstechx.com/ Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:53 Evolution and Highlights of SportsTech Nation 06:06 Focus on Innovation and Startups 08:49 Investor Summit and Networking Opportunities 11:25 Colosseum Sport's Role in SportsTech 13:32 Conclusion and Event Details

    18 min
  5. Why Sports Teams Are Betting Big On Gaming Audiences #250

    15/10/2025

    Why Sports Teams Are Betting Big On Gaming Audiences #250

    In this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars Podcast, we present Matt Virtue, Founder & CEO of Rival. In this conversation, Matt discusses Rival's mission to create interactive gaming experiences that engage sports fans in a meaningful way. He explains how Rival combines gaming with sports IP to foster community and enhance fan engagement. The discussion covers the importance of gaming in reaching diverse audiences, the success stories of partnerships with organizations like the Detroit Pistons and New Balance, and the future of digital engagement in sports. Matt emphasizes the need for sports organizations to adapt to the evolving landscape and leverage technology to connect with fans effectively. Takeaways Rival aims to create interactive experiences for sports fans. The gaming industry has a median age of 35.5 years, indicating a broad audience. Engagement through gaming is essential for reaching younger demographics. Rival's platform allows for community building among fans. Success stories from partners like the Detroit Pistons highlight the effectiveness of Rival's approach. Retention rates of 93% indicate strong user engagement on the platform. The future of sports engagement lies in digital ecosystems and personalized experiences. Rival is focused on creating long-term relationships with fans through gaming. The integration of AI and digital tools will enhance fan engagement opportunities. To learn more, visit: https://www.rivalx.com/  Get in touch with Matthew Virtue at: linkedin.com/in/matt-virtue-8799a024 Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://intelligence.sportstechx.com/  Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:47 Creating Interactive Experiences in Sports 07:01 Role of Gaming in Fan Engagement 12:41 Building Loyalty Through Gaming Experiences 16:33 Success Stories: Detroit Pistons and New Balance 22:09 Future of Sports Engagement and Monetization 30:26 Growth and Opportunities for Rival

    33 min
  6. How Computer Vision is Transforming Digital Fitness and Rehabilitation #249

    08/10/2025

    How Computer Vision is Transforming Digital Fitness and Rehabilitation #249

    In this episode of the Sports Tech Allstars podcast, we present Steven Webster, Founder & CEO of asensei. In this conversation, Steven shares his journey from being a martial arts coach to creating a technology that recognizes human movement. He discusses the challenges of coaching remotely and how asensei aims to provide real-time feedback through movement recognition technology. The conversation also explores the B2B approach of asensei, its successful use cases in various sectors, and the future of coaching with AI. Webster emphasizes the importance of making fitness accessible and meaningful, leveraging technology to enhance athletic potential and overall health. Takeaways asensei aims to provide real-time coaching feedback. The B2B approach allows asensei to serve various industries. Successful use cases include partnerships with companies like Tonal and military fitness programs. The technology can be applied to rehabilitation and preventative care. Webster is excited about the potential of wearable technology in healthcare and fitness. The future of coaching may involve on-device AI that can interact conversationally with users. asensei's technology is designed to be an ingredient technology. Webster's intrinsic motivation is to unlock athletic potential, which he believes can lead to broader human potential.. To learn more, visit: https://www.asensei.ai/  Get in touch with Steven Webster at: linkedin.com/in/stevenwebster Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://sportstechx.com/reports Chapters 00:00 Journey to asensei 06:53 Understanding Movement Recognition Technology 12:14 B2B Approach and Ingredient Technology 19:14 Successful Use Cases and Applications 25:22 Trends in Fitness Tech and Future Directions 30:27 Future of Coaching with AI

    34 min

  7. 01/10/2025

    Exploring Saudi Arabia's Sports Revolution with Dr. Margarete Schramboeck  #248

    Closing out the New Global Sport Conference series, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Dr. Margarete Schramboeck, Former Minister for Economy & Digital Affairs, Austria, Board Member, Aramco Digital. In this conversation, Dr. Margarete Schramboeck discusses her journey from private business to public office and her current role in the Saudi sports industry. She highlights the significant changes in Saudi Arabia's sports landscape, driven by Vision 2030, and the integration of technology in sports, including e-gaming and immersive live streaming. Dr. Schramboeck emphasizes the importance of AI and infrastructure in supporting the growth of sports in the region, as well as the unique opportunities presented by the young population of Saudi Arabia. She also shares insights on future developments and her personal connection to sports. Takeaways Saudi Arabia presents a unique opportunity for growth in sports. The youth of Saudi Arabia is a driving force in sports development. Immersive live streaming will enhance fan experiences. Vision 2030 is a well-communicated roadmap for the future. Infrastructure is crucial for the success of sports events. E-gaming is becoming a significant part of the sports landscape. The Drone Champions League represents a new frontier in sports. Saudi Arabia is actively promoting women's sports. Get in touch with  Dr. Margarete Schramboeck at: linkedin.com/in/margarete-schramboeck Check out The New Global Sport Conference Here: https://newglobalsportconference.com/  Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://sportstechx.com/reports Chapters 00:00 Journey to Saudi Arabia 02:42 Role of Technology in Sports Growth 05:59 E-gaming and Drone Racing 09:01 Innovations in Sports Broadcasting 11:53 AI and Its Impact on Sports 15:03 Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 17:45 Saudi Sports Infrastructure 20:39 Sports and Innovation

    24 min
  8. Inside WFS: Football, eSports, and Global Growth with Jan Alessie #247

    24/09/2025

    Inside WFS: Football, eSports, and Global Growth with Jan Alessie #247

    In this episode of the New Global Sport Conference series, The Sports Tech Allstars Podcast presents Jan Alessie, Co-founder & Managing Director - World Football Summit. In this conversation, Jan discusses the upcoming World Football Summit in Riyadh, highlighting its significance in the context of Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the football world. He reflects on the evolution of perceptions about the region since the first summit and the impact of high-profile events like the World Cup. The discussion also covers the integration of eSports into the sports industry and the strategic localization of events to cater to regional audiences, emphasizing the importance of building a global football community. Takeaways World Football Summit is expanding in Saudi Arabia. The event coincides with the 2034 World Cup announcement. Perceptions of Saudi Arabia have changed significantly. eSports is becoming a vital part of the sports industry. Localization of events is key to their success. The global community of football professionals is growing. Upcoming events include Hong Kong, Madrid, and Riyadh. Mexico and Morocco are strategic locations for future events. The passion for football in Mexico is immense. WFS aims to connect global football communities. Get in touch with Jan Alessie at: linkedin.com/in/janalessie Check out The New Global Sport Conference Here: https://newglobalsportconference.com/  Hosted by ⁠Rohn Malhotra⁠ from ⁠SportsTechX⁠ - Leading source of Investment and Innovation insights in sports.  Sign Up for the Sports Tech Weekly Newsletter for more news, features & insights on Sports Tech: https://newsletter.sportstechx.com/ Download the latest Industry Reports here: https://sportstechx.com/reports Chapters 00:00 World Football Summit: A New Era in Saudi Arabia 02:53 The Rise of eSports in the Sports Industry 05:53 Global Expansion and Localization of Events

    9 min
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Showcasing outstanding startups and initiatives in the global Sports Tech ecosystem, including accelerator & incubator programs, innovation hubs and major events. Are you looking for trends, new technologies or cooperation & investment opportunities? Here's where you can find them. The podcast is hosted by SportsTechX, a leading source for data & insights about Sports Tech. For further info, such as reports, market overviews or a global SportsTech database, go to www.sportstechx.com.

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