The National Hockey League (NHL) has inked a new multiyear global technology partnership that makes Sony an Official NHL Technology Partner.
The deal includes increasing Sony’s Beyond Sports’ production of NHL animated data visualizations and broader use of Sony’s Hawk-Eye measuring and tracking technologies, as well as use of Sony products and technologies.
David Lehanski, NHL EVP of business development innovation, says that partnering with Sony will help further the goals of the league’s technology efforts to engage NHL fans around the globe.
“Advancing the development and implementation of technology on and off the ice is a key priority for the League, and this partnership will highlight the impact of Sony’s groundbreaking work in several of our key initiatives, such as NHL Edge Puck and Player Tracking and animated programming, to bring fans closer to our great game and showcase the NHL as a worldwide technology leader.”
The NHL has used Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology since 2015 with Synchronized Multi-Angle Replay Technology (SMART) services installed in all 32 NHL arenas. This tech increases the speed and accuracy needed for replay reviews and coaches’ challenges.
Later enhancements were made to support team medical and player health and safety reviews.
Data was collected via optical tracking cameras in the creation of live NHL animated data visualizations, post-production content and replay technology. According to Sony, its Beyond Sports has helped the NHL reach younger audiences and improved sports data integration.
Sony and the NHL first collaborated in 2018 on NHL Edge Puck and Player Tracking positional data. According to Sony, Beyond Sports’ animated data visualization has helped the NHL deliver IP-driven fan engagement content including the NHL Big City Greens Classic, Tommy Hawk’s Birthday Party and serialized animated programming such as NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week.
The NHL’s work with Sony’s Beyond Sports’ has also led to immersive digital activation such as NHL Blast on Roblox. That activation drew more than one million unique users in its first month in April 2023.
