Volumetric Video Sports: How AI is Creating the Future of Live Game Viewing

Live sports viewing is changing. A new technology promises to transform the fan experience from a passive watch into an interactive, multi-angle spectacle. This shift is being driven by volumetric video, an AI-powered method for creating immersive 3D broadcasts.

The goal is to combat declining viewership, particularly among younger audiences, by offering a video-game-like perspective. According to reports, leagues and broadcasters are actively seeking these innovations to make sports more engaging for the next generation of fans.

From Self-Driving Cars to the Soccer Pitch

The company behind this push is Peripheral Labs. Founded in 2024 by Kelvin Cui and Mustafa Khan, the startup applies its founders’ expertise in robotics and autonomous vehicles to sports broadcasting. Their system uses a network of cameras to capture action in three dimensions.

This allows for photorealistic 3D reconstruction of plays. Fans could freeze a critical moment and view it from any angle. They could also choose to follow only a specific player throughout the game. The technology provides a level of control previously unseen in traditional broadcasts.

A New Playbook for Broadcasters and Teams

The impact extends beyond viewer experience. Peripheral Labs’ platform can generate detailed biomechanical data. It tracks player movements, measuring joint flexion in ankles and knees. This data offers coaches unprecedented insight into athlete performance and potential injury risks.

The startup recently raised a $3.6 million seed round led by Khosla Ventures. Investors see the technology as an entertainment breakthrough with applications beyond sports. The company is now in talks with multiple North American leagues and teams to deploy its system.

This move towards volumetric video sports represents a fundamental shift in how games are consumed. It turns viewers into directors of their own immersive experience, potentially redefining sports entertainment for a digital age.

Info at your fingertips

What is volumetric video in sports?

It’s a technology that uses multiple cameras and AI to create a 3D model of live action. This lets fans view the game from any angle, not just the broadcast camera’s fixed perspective, creating an interactive, immersive experience.

How does this technology benefit fans?

Fans gain control. They can replay key moments from any viewpoint, isolate specific players, and get a more detailed understanding of plays. It makes watching a game feel more like being inside a video game.

Are any leagues using this now?

While no public partnerships have been officially announced, Peripheral Labs has confirmed it is in active conversations with several professional teams and leagues across North America to implement its system.

What does this mean for traditional TV broadcasts?

It doesn’t replace traditional broadcasts but offers a premium, complementary viewing option. It could become a new standard for streaming services and special broadcasts, adding value for dedicated fans.

Why is this technology emerging now?

Advances in AI, computer vision, and camera hardware have made complex 3D reconstruction faster and more affordable. This allows startups to offer the technology at a feasible cost for sports organizations.