- Fans increasingly expect seamless digital experiences before, during and after sporting events, putting pressure on venues and operators to deliver reliable connectivity
- Ericsson sees opportunities for 5G to reduce friction at venues, improve media production workflows and support security operations
- Lessons learned from global events such as the World Cup, Indy 500 and Formula 1 races may increasingly influence experiences at everyday sports venues
Sports fans never sleep: Ericsson says 5G is becoming central to the modern game-day experience
The FIFA World Cup 2026 may be behind us, but sports fans never really clock out and NFL season is about to kick off. Whether they're attending an MLB game, following a golf tournament or traveling to a marquee event, expectations around the experience continue to rise.
According to Ericsson, connectivity is increasingly becoming a key part of that equation. In a new report examining the future of connected sports and entertainment, the vendor argues that 5G networks are evolving from a background utility into a critical component of fan engagement, venue operations and media production.
The company's analysis focuses on five areas where advanced mobile networks can make a difference: digital fan experiences, venue operations, media production, public safety and destination-wide connectivity for visitors.
Fans want more than a seat
Ericsson said fan expectations now extend well beyond watching the game itself. Mobile ticketing, alternate camera angles, social media sharing and real-time data overlays have become common parts of the live experience. The company noted that public 5G networks now serve more than 100 sports and entertainment venues in the U.S. alone.
The report also points to signs that mobile networks are taking on a greater share of event traffic. At a major football championship game in 2025, Ericsson cited a 3:1 ratio between 5G and Wi-Fi traffic. The company also found that 40% of event-goers would consider paying a premium for assured connectivity during events.
Beyond fan Wi-Fi
The report argues that some of the biggest opportunities may be operational rather than consumer-facing.
Ericsson highlighted common pain points such as parking, ticket screening, security checkpoints and concession lines, all areas where it believes low-latency 5G services could improve efficiency. The company noted that NFL fans spent an average of 13 minutes in concession lines during the 2024-2025 season.
Golf offers a glimpse of the future
Media production is another area under scrutiny. Ericsson pointed to professional golf tournaments, which can require up to 72 cameras, 150 microphones and dozens of miles of fiber cabling to support broadcasts. The company said private and virtual private 5G networks could help untether cameras while supporting new workflows for photographers and production crews.
As leagues, venues and broadcasters look for ways to enhance experiences and generate new revenue opportunities, Ericsson's message is straightforward: connectivity is becoming part of the entertainment product itself.
Read more Fierce Network articles on sports and private 5G
Ericsson sees World Cup 2026 as 5G network proving ground