The R&A selects Cisco for tournament-wide Wi-Fi 7 and AI networking

This partnership signifies a shift toward ultra-low latency, high-density networking essential for modern sports broadcasting and AI-driven onsite operations. By moving to Wi-Fi 7 and Silicon One architecture, The R&A can handle the exponential data growth and concurrent device loads required for real-time scoring and UHD delivery. In the broader ecosystem, this mirrors a trend of premium sports bodies building bespoke, enterprise-grade fabrics to support evolving remote production and fan engagement tools. Watch for how this infrastructure supports subsequent AI-assisted highlights and player tracking data during the July championships.

The R&A's move toward AI-ready networking aligns with a broader surge in technical infrastructure investments across the sports landscape. In June 2025, Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced a similar partnership with Cisco to deploy Wi-Fi 7 at the new Capital One Arena, identifying it as a standard requirement for high-density venues. This trajectory is further evidenced by Cisco’s recent selection as the AI networking supplier for NBC Sports’ all-IP production of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Per Cisco (February 2026), these deployments utilize IP Fabric for Media to ensure the secure delivery of ultra-high-definition content from the International Broadcast Center to global audiences.

Technologically, the use of Silicon One represents a strategic hardware pivot for live events. Cisco launched its Silicon One G300 in February 2026, targeting the high-performance networking demands of generative AI and real-time processing. According to reports from HyperFRAME (May 2026), the Silicon One architecture has now been adopted by five of the six major U.S. hyperscalers, validating its capability to manage massive data throughput with reduced power consumption. For sports organizations like The R&A, this hardware provides the localized compute necessary for edge-based AI applications, such as crowd analytics and real-time AR overlays.

Furthermore, the focus on modernizing The R&A’s St Andrews headquarters reflects the organization's consolidation of global operations. Per project milestones reached in early 2026, the new four-storey facility at St Andrews West is designed to unify staff previously spread across five separate buildings. This centralized hub will serve as the coordination point for governing golf in 149 countries. By integrating enterprise switching and cloud-managed security directly into the headquarters' design, The R&A is establishing a permanent testbed for the digital-first tournament infrastructure it plans to scale across its championship portfolio through 2027 and beyond.