Business
The Role of Blockchain Technology in the Sports Industry

The sports world was just waiting for data analytics to come along. Teams long sat on a trove of statistics that measured player performance, but available analytical tools revealed little knowledge. Now, sophisticated data analysis methods have enabled teams to exploit data in new and far-reaching ways, changing how sports are played and coached and how teams operate Read more: Alex Reinhardt.
The new tools, which computer scientists and data analysts provide, enable teams to extract meaningful information to improve on-field performance, get a more accurate picture of player value, and expand strategic alternatives on the field and in the front office.
Teams want to safeguard this information from competitors, and some have turned to blockchain technology for protection. Blockchain is a multitool technology that figures into connecting with fans, selling tickets, and managing contracts with broadcasters and vendors.
Individuals with computer science backgrounds can help shape the relationship between blockchain technology and the sports industry. A bachelor’s degree in computer science can help build a foundation for such a career.
What Is Blockchain Technology?
Blockchain is the technology underlying bitcoin and other digital currencies, which are also known as cryptocurrencies because of the strong cryptography that protects information. Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger where transactions and other information are recorded. The transactions are permanent and verifiable. The blockchain is stored on a computer network that contains identical information. The blockchain has no central authority, and the information is transparent to authorized users but secure from unauthorized access.
Blockchain technology has gained a foothold in corporations, which is used for business transactions and logistics. The technology is useful to accurately identify customers and foil money laundering schemes.
Sports, teams, leagues, governing bodies, technology companies, and other organizations are discovering ways to tap the power and versatility of blockchain technology.
Blockchain Technology and Sports Data
Baseball pioneered the use of data analytics to value players and improve performance. In the 1970s, a group of analysts called sabermetricians began to apply advanced mathematics to statistics to draw deeper, more detailed conclusions. (The term “sabermetrics” comes from the Society for American Baseball Research [SABR], which is the organization the analysts formed in 1971.)
The Impact of Analytics
Although it took decades for teams to adopt, math-based analysis is now widespread across sports, and front offices are as likely to employ individuals who have doctorates in math as they are to employ baseball lifers. This transformation was the subject of the book and movie Moneyball.
Analytics has come to rule baseball strategy. Analytics dictates who plays when, where players are positioned in the field, and even the angle at which a hitter swings the bat. Analysts have determined that small changes in a swing’s plane, which is called the launch angle, can drive the ball farther.
Players outfitted with wearable devices that measure their movements, speed, and force generate even more data for analysis. Transferring that data to advanced video apps allows players and coaches to adjust to techniques that could improve performance and reduce injury.
Blockchain Blanket of Security
Unlike statistics on the back of baseball cards, the data that advanced analytics produces amounts to proprietary intellectual property. Biometric information that wearable devices capture could be considered personal health information, which is protected by federal privacy regulations.
This is where blockchain technology comes in. Strong cryptographic protocols guard the information stored on a blockchain, protecting it from competitors intent on stealing more than the catcher’s signs to the pitcher. Only those team members with permission can access the data.
The threat of theft is real. In 2016, a member of the St. Louis Cardinals front office, Chris Correa, pleaded guilty to stealing player data from the Houston Astros. Correa was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and ordered to pay about $279,000 in restitution.
Blockchain Tech and the Sports Fan Experience
Some European soccer clubs, U.S. NBA teams, and fantasy sports ventures have been a step ahead in deploying blockchain technology to connect with fans. The teams and organizations have explored ways to draw fans near and far closer to their orbit.
Programs Bring Rewards to Fans
FC Barcelona sells virtual tokens, a form of cryptocurrency, which allows fans to vote in club polls (fans weighed in on artwork displayed at the team’s stadium) and becomes eligible for rewards, such as free tickets to games and meetings with players. Other clubs fielding token programs include Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Roma, and Atlético Madrid. Blockchain allows participants to buy and sell authentic tokens and benefit if they increase in value.
In the U.S., the NBA’s Sacramento Kings have integrated blockchain throughout its operations, including ticket sales and a fan engagement rewards program. In one program, the Kings set up a blockchain-based auction in which fans could bid on gear that players wore in a game. The winner got the memorabilia and blockchain-based authentication of the memorabilia’s provenance, which certifies to subsequent buyers that the items are genuine.
Fantasy Games Adopt Blockchain
Fantasy sports ventures have embraced blockchain technology. MLB Champions, a fantasy app officially licensed by the MLB Players Association, was developed with a blockchain game developer. The app lets fans draft players and earn a digital currency called “caps.” As in other fantasy sports games, the fates of the MLB Champions teams are based on real-life player statistics.
The Crown League, based on professional football, takes the fantasy concept a bit further. When the league begins to play (set for 2021), fans can buy a stake in one or more of a dozen teams and receive a cut of what the team makes during the season. The fans get a say in how the teams are run based on their share of the team.
Going even further, Turner Sports offers “Blocklete Games,” an online video game. Players organize teams of digital athletes, called blockers, to compete for money and other prizes. The game runs on a protected blockchain that tracks each file.
Blockchain Technology and the Business of Sports
Blockchain technology in the sports industry is also impacting business operations.
A number of teams accept cryptocurrency for tickets, including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and European soccer teams.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) had planned to sell tickets to its 2020 tournament through blockchain. A blockchain-based mobile app would have enabled the UEFA to sell tickets to fans in many countries with a higher level of security than conventional ticketing methods. The tournament aimed to sell a million tickets through the app. (The tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Blockchain technology is also used to sort out complicated broadcasting rights and licensing. Fans view sports on mobile phones and tablets as well as televisions, and they watch live streams of events as well as recorded games and highlights. A blockchain feature called a smart contract automates transactions and determines what entity gets what feed and how much it has to pay. The transactions are recorded securely and accurately on the blockchain, potentially eliminating the intermediary companies involved in such deals.
Computer Science: A Gateway to Blockchain in Sports
Blockchain in the sports industry is an emerging area where much work is yet to be done, and computer scientists will do much of that work. A program such as Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with its blockchain concentration, can provide the foundation for a career on the front lines of the field. With other concentrations in data science, software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, Maryville’s computer science program can open a new world of possibilities. Take the first brave step with us today toward a rewarding career in emerging data technology fields.
Business
Why Your Business in Fort Saskatchewan Needs Expert IT Support

Fort Saskatchewan may be a bustling hub of businesses in Alberta, but like any thriving city, staying ahead means keeping your company running smoothly. Today, technology is at the heart of every successful business, whether you’re a small startup or a well-established enterprise. And when technology plays such a critical role in your operations, reliable and expert IT support becomes a necessity—not a luxury.
From improving efficiency to safeguarding sensitive data, having the right IT partner can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. Here’s why businesses in Fort Saskatchewan must prioritize expert IT support.
1. Optimized Business Operations
Running a business in Fort Saskatchewan comes with its own unique challenges. Whether you’re managing inventory, handling clients, or coordinating logistics, technology increases efficiency at every stage. However, even small glitches in your IT systems can disrupt daily operations.
Expert IT support ensures that all your systems—hardware, software, and networks—are optimized and functioning smoothly. By proactively monitoring your IT infrastructure, support teams can identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate into costly downtime.
2. Protection Against Cybersecurity Threats
Cybersecurity threats are an ever-present risk for businesses of all sizes. Unfortunately, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assume they aren’t big enough to attract hackers—which couldn’t be further from the truth. Cybercriminals often target SMEs precisely because they underestimate this risk and lack robust security measures.
When you partner with an IT support team, you’ll have access to the latest cybersecurity solutions. Services like firewalls, anti-virus software, regular system patching, and staff training can safeguard your data and reduce your risk of cyberattacks.
3. Support Local Regulations and Compliance
Operating a business in Canada, and specifically Alberta, means complying with local and national data regulations. Whether you’re dealing with customer information, employee records, or financial data, there’s a responsibility to handle it safely and in line with legal standards. Non-compliance with data protection regulations like PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) can lead to fines and damage to your reputation.
An expert IT service provider can guide your business through compliance requirements, ensuring your systems and data management practices align with these obligations. They’ll help you securely store, process, and back up data while providing audits and documentation to prove regulatory adherence.
4. Tailored IT Solutions for Growing Businesses
Fort Saskatchewan is a growing business community. Whether you’re part of the industrial sector, retail, professional services, or hospitality, your IT needs will evolve as you scale. Generic IT services aren’t built for growth—their solutions often stagnate with your business.
Expert IT support, on the other hand, provides customized solutions designed specifically for your industry, size, and goals. Whether you’re transitioning to cloud-based platforms, upgrading your hardware, or managing remote teams, IT professionals create a future-ready strategy to support your business’s growth.
5. Cost-Efficiency
Hiring full-time, in-house IT specialists can be costly. Salaries, benefits, training, and tools add up quickly—particularly for small businesses. Outsourcing IT support provides access to the same level of expertise, minus the significant overhead costs.
With expert IT support, you’re not just paying for a quick fix when something goes wrong. You’re investing in ongoing maintenance, expert advice, and reliable solutions that save you time and money in the long run.
6. 24/7 Support to Minimize Downtime
When a server crashes or your systems go offline after hours, how quickly can you recover? Downtime—whether it’s for minutes, hours, or days—can cost your business valuable opportunities.
Many IT support providers offer 24/7 assistance, ensuring there’s always help when you need it most. By turning to a trusted team that provides emergency support, you can significantly reduce downtime and maintain your business continuity.
Expert IT Support Builds a Stronger Business Foundation
Fort Saskatchewan is home to ambitious businesses looking to grow and thrive. Amid this competitive environment, partnering with an expert IT support provider helps you stay ahead—whether by improving daily operations, protecting your data, or scaling your systems as you expand.
The right IT support is more than just a safety net; it’s a growth enabler. To find the perfect IT solutions for your business, talk to seasoned professionals ready to take your technology to the next level.
Business
The Benefits of Early NIST Compliance

If protecting sensitive data and strengthening your company’s cybersecurity framework are top priorities, then compliance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards is likely on your agenda. Early NIST compliance offers vital advantages, and engaging a CMMC/NIST consultant can help streamline this process for your organization. But why is early compliance so important, and how can it benefit your business?
Why Early Compliance Matters
Waiting until NIST compliance is mandatory for your organization can delay critical security improvements and create unnecessary risks. Early implementation of NIST guidelines ensures your organization stays ahead of requirements, helps you identify cybersecurity weaknesses before they become vulnerabilities, and ultimately positions your business to operate more securely.
Here are the key benefits of getting started with NIST compliance sooner rather than later:
Strengthens Your Cybersecurity Defenses
By achieving early alignment with NIST standards, your organization builds a proactive cybersecurity posture. Instead of waiting for an attack to expose potential vulnerabilities, you strengthen your systems upfront. NIST compliance introduces a structured framework for continuous monitoring, access controls, encryption protocols, and incident response mechanisms—all critical elements for a resilient cybersecurity strategy.
Furthermore, cyber threats are not static; they evolve. Early adoption of the NIST framework provides a baseline that helps your organization adapt to new threats—bolstering your ability to protect sensitive data from hackers, ransomware, and insider threats.
Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace
Organizations demonstrating NIST compliance often gain a competitive edge. Many businesses now include compliance assessments as part of their due diligence when selecting vendors or partners. By achieving early compliance, you signal to customers, clients, and stakeholders that cybersecurity is a top priority—building trust and differentiating you from competitors who lack such credentials.
For businesses in government contracting, NIST compliance is often non-negotiable. Early compliance not only ensures readiness for contract requirements but also expands your eligibility for future opportunities, particularly as the Department of Defense (DoD) advances Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements.
Reduces Costs Over Time
Becoming NIST compliant protects your organization from costly data breaches, fines, and reputational damage. For perspective, data breaches in 2023 cost organizations an average of $4.45 million globally, according to IBM’s annual report. Many of these breaches could have been mitigated or avoided through adherence to foundational cybersecurity standards like NIST.
Early compliance also simplifies long-term operational expenses related to cybersecurity. Proactively integrating controls and processes into your workflow avoids the scramble of rushed compliance efforts—which are often both disruptive and expensive.
Ensures Alignment with CMMC Requirements
For businesses in the defense supply chain, early NIST compliance is a vital stepping stone for achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The CMMC program draws heavily from NIST SP 800-171 and serves as the DoD’s framework for evaluating contractor cybersecurity.
By aligning with NIST standards now, your business is better prepared to achieve CMMC certification in the future with minimal adjustments. This alignment can save time and resources, reducing stress as certification deadlines approach.
Builds Resilience and Reputation
While no organization is immune to cyber threats, early compliance ensures you are prepared to respond effectively when incidents occur. This level of preparedness not only minimizes disruption but also safeguards your reputation. Businesses that demonstrate robust cybersecurity protocols are more likely to retain customer loyalty and investor confidence—even in the wake of cyber incidents.
Take Action Today
The path to NIST compliance is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about securing your organization’s future. By achieving early compliance, you are empowering your business to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Engage a qualified CMMC/NIST consultant today and take the first step toward enhanced security, operational efficiency, and long-term success.
Business
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Jeep

Buying a Jeep is more than just getting a new ride. It’s about adventure, durability, and a vehicle that can handle rough terrains while still being practical for everyday use. Whether you’re looking for an off-road beast or a reliable SUV for city driving, there are many factors to consider.
This guide will walk you through the key things to keep in mind before making your purchase.
Decide What You Need
The first step is to figure out how you plan to use your Jeep. Do you want something for extreme off-roading, or are you looking for a daily driver that occasionally hits the trails? Jeep offers different models, each with unique features.
The Wrangler is perfect for those who love adventure, while the Grand Cherokee is a great option for those who need more comfort and space. If fuel efficiency is a concern, consider the Jeep Compass or Renegade, which offer a balance between performance and economy. Knowing what you need will help you narrow down your choices.
Look for a Chevrolet Tahoe
While Jeeps are known for their off-road capabilities, some buyers might need something that combines power, space, and towing capacity. If you’re considering a Jeep but want more room and a stronger engine, the Chevrolet Tahoe is worth a look.
It’s a full-size SUV with a powerful V8 engine, making it a solid choice for those who need more cargo space or plan to tow trailers. Unlike Jeeps, which are built for rugged adventures, the Tahoe focuses more on comfort while still offering strong off-road performance.
Check the Features and Trims
Jeeps come in different trims, each offering unique features. Some models come with advanced safety features, leather interiors, and upgraded suspension systems. If you plan to take your Jeep off-road, look for features like skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires.
If comfort is a priority, consider models with heated seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and adaptive cruise control. Understanding the different trims will help you get the best Jeep for your needs.
Consider a Used Jeep
Buying a brand-new Jeep is exciting, but a used Jeep can be a smart option, especially if you’re on a budget. Jeeps are built to last, and many older models still perform exceptionally well. A well-maintained used jeep can offer great value while saving you a significant amount of money.
When looking at used Jeeps, check the vehicle’s history report, inspect it for rust or damage, and take it for a test drive. Off-road driving can put extra strain on a Jeep, so make sure to check the suspension, tires, and undercarriage carefully. If possible, have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy.
Conclusion
Buying a Jeep is an exciting experience, but it’s important to take your time and make the right choice. Whether you go for a brand-new model or a used one, understanding what you need and comparing different options will help you make a smart investment.
If a Jeep isn’t the right fit, alternatives like the Chevrolet Tahoe can provide a mix of power and space. Take your time, test drive different models, and choose a vehicle that matches your lifestyle.
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