TSL #031: The Human Side of Sports Tech: Building Relationships through Stats

A few years ago, we surveyed to understand what motivated our Ultimate Hoops League players to continue participating in our league. The tracking of comprehensive player and team stats throughout their careers fixed our belief that our standout feature would top the list.

The reality was quite different. It was a revelation.

The number one reason our players cited for their continued engagement wasn't the stats but the sense of belonging to the Ultimate Hoops community.

Our initial assumption had been that the allure of statistics would be the primary draw. However, the stats played a different role altogether. They became a mere conduit, a conversation starter among players, leading to deeper discussions about their lives, careers, and families. These pre and post-game interactions weren't merely superficial; they forged stronger bonds among participants.

Here's a story that exemplifies the strength of the community. We had a player who, upon joining the Ultimate Hoops league as a Free Agent, knew no one. Fast forward a few years, and when he tied the knot, his entire wedding party consisted of Ultimate Hoops League players.

Today, the lasting success of Ultimate Hoops' community is evident. After fifteen years, our National Tournaments continue to sell out within minutes. Teams enthusiastically cover their travel expenses, all for the chance to compete and secure a modest $99 team faux-metal trophy.

Our players' profound sense of connection to the Ultimate Hoops brand drives this unwavering commitment.

What makes this sense of community so potent? It led me to reflect on my childhood experiences and fascination with the Statis-Pro Basketball board game. Was it the statistical data generated by the board game that captivated me? Or was it the connection I felt to legendary NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as I played?

Humans are not solitary beings; we are inherently wired to seek connection — not only with fellow humans but with the world around us. It's an integral part of our survival instinct. Evolution has gifted us an insatiable curiosity and a natural inclination to form bonds with others. It started with primitive cave drawings and evolved through the written word, the telegraph, newspapers, radio, TV, and the internet.

Tech companies understand the fundamentals of human nature and design their technology to amplify it 24/7. In the same way our ancestors scrolled cave drawings to connect to neighboring tribes, we now scroll a blue light handheld device.

Understanding how this principle connects to the context of sports technology, our guiding principle should extend beyond mere data collection. It should be the creation of data that nurtures connections with our users. It's about utilizing technology to bring people closer together, akin to how our Statis-Pro Basketball board game once connected me to NBA legends.

As sports technology continues its relentless advance, let's not get lost in the numbers and analytics. Behind the data are people seeking connection, camaraderie, and shared experiences. By using technology to strengthen our communities, we can unlock the full potential of sports tech.