Author(s): CALDERONE, D., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 1018

INTRODUCTION:
AI is playing an increasingly significant role in sports, extending beyond team performance analysis and game strategy development. The application of advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques enables the optimization of athletic preparation, injury recovery, and injury risk prediction through pattern analysis. Additionally, its implementation may also impact fan engagement. However, both the adoption of AI and blockchain pose regulatory and data protection challenges, particularly in contexts governed by strict standards such as the AI Act and GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the United States. In this scenario, blockchain emerges as a potential solution to ensure transparency, security, and traceability in data management, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data manipulation.
METHODS:
This study is based on a systematic analysis of the academic literature on AI, its application in sports, the related regulations, and its integration with blockchain, with a specific focus on personal data management. In parallel, the main applicable regulations, including the AI Act, GDPR, and HIPAA, were analyzed to assess the regulatory implications of data management.
RESULTS:
Preliminary analysis confirms that AI can provide significant advantages in sports management. However, critical issues related to data quality, information security, and regulatory compliance have emerged. Poor data sampling and/or negligent data handling could compromise the reliability of predictive models, potentially affecting athletes health and careers. The analysis suggests that blockchain could serve as an effective solution to ensure transparency, security, and traceability in data processing. Its decentralized architecture could mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and simplify anonymization, but its application within a complex regulatory framework raises further compatibility issues with existing regulations.
CONCLUSION:
The integration of AI and blockchain in sports represents an opportunity to enhance data management and security, yet it requires a careful balance between technological innovation and regulatory compliance. Data are strategic assets, as AI models improve through continuous training. GDPR and HIPAA impose limitations on data decentralization and immutable storage, making it necessary to adopt blockchain protocols with adaptable governance mechanisms. The implementation of such solutions must consider the evolution of the regulatory framework and the adoption of technological frameworks capable of balancing efficiency, privacy, and compliance. Future research should focus on identifying purpose-specific blockchain protocols that comply with these requirements. The Sports Industry could once again act as a testing ground for emerging technological innovations.