T-Mobile 5G Revolutionizes SailGP with Predictive AI and Real-Time Connectivity on the Water
SailGP, the global sailing league redefining the sport, is taking live sports broadcasting to new heights with a groundbreaking tech upgrade powered by T-Mobile’s 5G network. As SailGP’s exclusive U.S. 5G partner, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) is returning to the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on Governors Island, June 7–8, with cutting-edge innovations that leverage its 5G Advanced Network Solutions (5G ANS). This includes hybrid and private networks, as well as network slicing, to deliver smarter race operations, sharper camera angles, and lightning-fast data transmission. The result? A more immersive experience for fans at home and real-time insights that help teams perform at their peak on the water.
“Connectivity is driving the next generation of live sports,” said Callie Field, President of T-Mobile Business Group. “With SailGP, we’re demonstrating how 5G Advanced Network Solutions can unlock experiences that were once impossible — bringing fans closer to the action while equipping teams with tools to elevate their performance. At T-Mobile, we don’t just keep up with innovation; we lead it.”
Through T-Mobile’s 5G-connected network, fans will enjoy real-time HD views from dynamic new angles, while teams benefit from faster data delivery and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Here’s how this year’s 5G advancements are transforming the way fans watch, officials officiate, and races unfold on the water:
Immersive Broadcast Footage with Advanced Camera Technology
This year, SailGP is introducing new camera technology that elevates the viewing experience to unprecedented levels. Racing catamarans are now equipped with dozens of hardened, wireless cameras, along with AI-enabled race markers, providing dynamic, multi-angle footage of the action.
- Cockpit Cameras: These capture high-intensity, close-up shots of onboard strategy and crew performance, giving fans an intimate look at the precision and coordination required to race an F50 catamaran.
- Race Mark-Mounted Cameras: Positioned on buoys, these cameras offer wide-angle, water-level views that showcase the broader dynamics of the race and environmental conditions. Together, these technologies create a richer, more engaging broadcast that immerses fans in the heart of the competition.
Autonomous Buoys with IoT Sensors and AI Capabilities
SailGP’s AI-enabled autonomous buoys are another game-changing innovation. Outfitted with IoT sensors and onboard instrumentation, these smart race marks collect real-time environmental and race data from across the course. Between races, the buoys autonomously reposition themselves to adapt to changing wind and water conditions, ensuring fair and dynamic racing while capturing every moment for both broadcast production and officiating.
These buoys not only enhance the fairness of the competition but also provide critical data streams that enrich the storytelling for fans. By adapting to the unpredictable nature of open water, they ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate race management.
Predictive AI for Enhanced Broadcasts and Fair Officiating
Predictive AI is playing a pivotal role in both broadcast production and race adjudication. By analyzing millions of data points from boats and AI-enabled race marks, the technology forecasts where the most thrilling moments are likely to occur, guiding cameras to capture those moments in real time. It also aids race officials in making split-second decisions with precision.
All data is transmitted to SailGP headquarters in London, where officials use it to monitor maneuvers, enforce rules, and ensure fairness. This seamless integration of AI and 5G ensures that fans never miss a beat, while teams receive real-time feedback to refine their strategies.
“SailGP is redefining sailing with partners like T-Mobile,” said Warren Jones, SailGP’s Chief Technology Officer. “At this elite level of sport, precision is everything — not just from the athletes but also from the technology supporting them. T-Mobile’s 5G allows us to stream telemetry to London in milliseconds and adjust camera angles on the fly, ensuring officials make the right calls and fans stay engaged with every second of the action.”
Record-Breaking 5G Speeds on Open Water
T-Mobile’s 5G performance is breaking records, even in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. While traditional broadcasts rely on uplinks of just 10–30 Mbps—enough for one or two HD streams—T-Mobile’s network can support more than 16 simultaneous HD livestreams. Powered by a 5G hybrid solution from 5G ANS, which combines public and private networks, T-Mobile delivers fiber-like speeds and reliability without the need for physical infrastructure—a remarkable feat on open water.
“T-Mobile’s 5G tech is transforming the way we race,” said Mike Buckley, U.S. SailGP Team Athlete and Team CEO. “The new onboard cameras give fans an up-close look at the power and precision it takes to compete in an F50. For us, having real-time data from every boat and buoy means fairer calls, smarter strategies, and a deeper connection between what happens on the water and what fans experience in the moment.”
Paving the Way for Future Innovations
Looking ahead, the collaboration between SailGP and T-Mobile opens the door to even more possibilities. Early explorations include integrating live drone footage to complement aerial coverage traditionally captured by helicopters. This would further push the boundaries of real-time broadcast technology, offering fans unparalleled perspectives of the action.
By combining predictive AI, autonomous systems, and T-Mobile’s blazing-fast 5G network, SailGP is setting a new standard for live sports broadcasting. The partnership demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can enhance both the competitive integrity of the sport and the fan experience, proving that the future of live sports is here—and it’s powered by 5G.
As SailGP continues to redefine sailing, T-Mobile remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering solutions that connect, engage, and inspire. Whether it’s through immersive broadcasts, real-time data analytics, or advanced officiating tools, T-Mobile’s 5G is helping SailGP chart a bold new course for the future of sports.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com
