National Hockey League Multiyear Global Technology Partnership
Bring NHL fans closer to the game than ever before.
The NHL and Sony will work together to evolve the NHL experience for fans, as well as NHL coaches, officials, players and broadcasters, by increasing Beyond Sports’ production of NHL animated data visualizations, broadening usage of Hawk-Eye measuring and tracking technologies, and investing in various Sony products and technologies that will bring NHL fans closer to the game than ever before.
Sony x NHL: Powering the Future of Hockey | Sony Official
Technology Partner of the NHL
Partnership Includes Expanded Usage of Sony’s Beyond Sports Data Analysis and Visualization Technology, Sony’s Hawk-Eye Technology, Camera Innovations, and more
Hawk-Eye Innovations
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 to help provide the speed and accuracy the NHL requires for its replay reviews and coaches’ challenges; with later enhancements supporting team medical, and player health and safety reviews. Data collected via optical tracking cameras is also integral to the creation of live NHL animated data visualizations, post-production content and replay technology, and will be featured in future experiences in development involving mobile apps and XR.
Beyond Sports
The NHL and Sony’s Beyond Sports first collaborated in 2018 on multiple projects to explore opportunities built on NHL EDGE (Puck & Player Tracking) positional data. Beyond Sports’ animated data visualization expertise has played a key role for the NHL in transforming its data into a powerful fan engagement driver, delivering new IP-driven content — from the NHL Big City Greens Classic, a Sports Emmy-nominated animated broadcast presentation and Tommy Hawk’s Birthday Party, the first-ever regional animated real-time sports animated broadcast presentation, to more serialized animated programming, such as NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week. Beyond Sports’ work also led to immersive digital activations, such as NHL Blast on Roblox, which drew over one million unique users in its first month in April 2023.
Imaging
Sony cameras and production equipment have been a prominent fixture in the NHL through broadcast and sports photography and are regularly trusted by NHL Clubs and broadcast partners to capture the most defining moments of the game. NHL Clubs rely on Sony technology to process and deliver the best camera angles in real-time to millions of NHL fans.
