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

We're proud to announce Sony as a proud partner of the San Jose Sharks!
As a pro athlete, the more successful you become, the louder the noise gets. For budding NHL superstar Macklin Celebrini, WH-1000XM6 noise cancelling headphones help him stay locked in and cancel out the chaos.

Locked In On and Off the Ice with Macklin Celebrini

NHL Innovation Lab debuts with the support of Sony technologies

Sony plays a central role in advancing the National Hockey League (NHL) Innovation Lab's mission to develop and validate next-generation technologies that enhance on-ice performance, game operations, and fan engagement. Through the integration of Sony's cutting-edge media and visualization solutions - including Crystal LED display, BRAVIA 8K HDR television, Hawk-Eye tracking systems, and advanced broadcast infrastructure - the Innovation Lab is equipped to capture, process, and analyze high-resolution 4K and 8K content at scale. These technologies enable real-time insights, improved officiating and coaching tools, and more immersive fan experiences, while also supporting emerging applications in artificial intelligence and data-driven performance analysis. Sony is helping the NHL prototype and refine scalable solutions that will shape the future of hockey and set new standards for sports technology worldwide.

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.