How AI Is Changing Sports: Strategy, Fans & Revenue Growth

AI is no longer a buzzword in sports, it’s the playbook. In this episode of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Jim Caruso, Chief Innovation Officer at Elevate, to explore how AI is revolutionizing sports business strategy, fan engagement, and revenue growth. With Elevate working alongside over 1,000 global brands and sports teams, Jim breaks down real-world examples of how smart data leads to smarter decisions both on and off the field.

00:00 – Introduction to Jim Caruso & Elevate’s mission
03:12 – How AI is helping teams understand fan behavior at scale
07:30 – Real examples of how smarter data leads to better fan engagement
12:44 – Why good data beats big models every time
17:10 – How sports organizations can use AI to improve decision-making
21:48 – Building a high-impact AI model focused on real outcomes
26:33 – AI’s role in leadership and future-proofing sports teams
31:11 – Lessons from non-sports industries: what sports can borrow from tech
36:05 – Why many teams are still chasing hype, not results
41:22 – Case studies: AI-driven shifts in ticketing, marketing, and ops
46:18 – Common mistakes teams make when adopting AI
50:42 – Final advice for sports leaders stepping into AI transformation
54:15 – Lightning Round: Personal insights from Jim Caruso
58:30 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

learn also which sports league is the most tech-savvy, with a special focus on the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1. The video highlights how each leverages technology in distinctive ways, particularly in media and on-track performance, making this a must-watch for those interested in tech in sports and the future of sports.
Whether you're a coach, sports exec, or tech-curious fan, this episode dives into the future of sports innovation, leadership, and what it takes to win in the AI era.