Abstract:

This research paper analyzes the adoption of IS/IT systems via diffusion of innovations theory and diffusion variance model in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Three research questions are explored in this study; How does Technical Compatibility impact data analytics utilization in NBA games, if any? How does Technical Complexity (features, ease of use, etc.) impact data analytics utilization in NBA games, if any? How does Relative Advantage of the IT/Systems (example: SportsVU) impact data analytics in NBA games, if any? Authors conclude that for data analytics to be adopted via diffusion throughout the NBA, they must have technical compatibility, low technical complexity, and provide a relative advantage over competitors. Barriers for understanding and developing technical compatibility diminish the value of the insights available from the data analytics tools. Excessive technical complexity, or the lack of technical tools to ingest data, prevent adoption for organizations beyond the innovation phase. Minimal relative advantage above competitors inhibits the adoption of data analytics by NBA organizations focused on the monetary and competitive incentives for the on-court results. If Information Technology and Information Systems focused on data analytics do not address these three areas, adoption does not diffuse throughout the NBA.