Sports analysis has become a key component of many teams and is expected to grow to nearly $4 billion by 2022. It is a statistically driven approach to evaluate player and team performance in an attempt to achieve competitive advantages. It can be used in a number of ways and is arguably most widely associated with the Oakland Athletics baseball team, whose general manager Billy Beane revolutionized the sport by using specific metrics to acquire undervalued players and win games on a shoestring budget.
The role of a Sports analyst is to provide an objective, qualitative and quantitative evaluation of all aspects of the game in order to support coaches by identifying areas requiring attention. Data collection can range from shorthand notations with pen and paper through to a variety of technologies such as time-lapsed video recording, GPS tracking and special purpose software. The data is then analysed to produce the acquired knowledge that can be used by coaches in a variety of ways, such as rehearsing tactical plays and squad selection that are more likely to outperform an upcoming opponent.
Sports analysis can also help put sporting events and outcomes into perspective for fans, making them more interesting and enjoyable. It can improve reporting and engagement with fans, and increase fan participation and merchandise sales, which in turn can lead to increased profitability for a sports organization.