ALEXANDRA WILLIS
AI APPLICATIONS
The technology stack that once cost millions and required teams of data scientists can now be deployed for thousands of dollars per month.
Computer vision paired with ML creates what industry insiders call‘ tactical intelligence at scale.’
Every touch, pass and defensive movement gets tracked and analysed for patterns that human coaches miss.
Algorithms identify emerging tactical trends before they become mainstream, spot opponent weaknesses in real-time and even predict player market values with greater accuracy than traditional scouting networks.
As a result, sports are becoming algorithmic in ways that mirror other data-driven industries.
ALEXANDRA WILLIS
TITLE: DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY: PREMIER LEAGUE INDUSTRY: FOOTBALL
Alexandra Willis leads digital media and audience development for the Premier League, driving fan engagement with innovative data and AI-powered strategies after previously transforming sports content at Wimbledon.
“ We would hope that for, say, a Crystal Palace fan, that the app will help the fan to discover what’ s happening right now, here’ s where to go and watch, how to listen, how to engage, and with a constant referral back to Crystal Palace’ s platforms,” says Alexandra Willis, Director of Digital Media and Audience Development for the Premier League.
“ But someone newer to the Premier League, who may not have identified a favorite club, we want to introduce them to the league at large with player-led storytelling and give them the opportunity to follow players they’ re interested in, be recommended players and topics based on their nationality and then ultimately help them over time develop that affinity for whatever club or clubs they want to engage with.”
The dark side of the AI revolution in sports However, the AI sports revolution isn’ t all highlight reels and perfectly optimised training sessions, as problems are brewing in the background. Job displacement tops the list of concerns.
When AI can generate match reports, create highlight packages and even provide commentary, what happens to sports journalists? Some roles will disappear, though new positions managing AI systems will emerge. aimagazine. com 63