Web3 has significantly altered our perception of money, ownership, and the internet, and this revolution could now extend to the realm of sports data. Currently, athletes lack control over their data, creating many opportunities for change.
The Data Control Issue
To date, most sports data is owned by leagues, broadcasters, or private companies. Athletes, who generate this data, have no control over it or share in the revenues. This issue has a long history and affects numerous sports and locations. For example, companies like Genius Sports and Opta profit from exclusive rights deals worth tens of millions. Yet, athletes remain on the sidelines.
New Business Models for Athletes
When players gain control over their data, it opens up new income streams. Instead of leagues or networks selling access to player stats, individual athletes could license their performance data to coaches, betting platforms, or even video game developers. Smart contracts could automate these relationships and ensure transparency in data use. This approach could also address some of the licensing challenges the sports world has seen in recent years.
The Future of Sports Data in Web3
In 2019, NBA guard Spencer Dinwiddie made headlines by attempting to tokenize his contract, allowing fans to invest in his future earnings via blockchain. This shows that athletes are seeking change. Instead of traditional proprietary systems where data is controlled by third parties, we can create systems in which athletes are paid to share their verified stats. With the right management, performance data can become intellectual property that drives new applications and business models.
Атлеты настаивают на более значительном контроле над своими рабочими данными, и с развитием Web3 они могут начать восстанавливать эту собственность. Это может привести к более справедливому распределению ресурсов и признанию истинной ценности, создаваемой игроками и их статистикой.
