The National Hockey League has been quietly revolutionizing the fan experience for years.
But most hockey fans had no idea what was coming next.
And Sony just dropped one game-changing announcement that will transform how Americans watch hockey.
Sony scores major NHL partnership deal
The National Hockey League picked Sony as its go-to technology partner.
The multi-year agreement makes Sony an Official NHL Technology Partner and expands what the company already does for professional hockey.
Sony has been working behind the scenes in hockey for years, but now they’re taking on a much bigger role.
The partnership takes Sony’s decade-long relationship with professional hockey to the next level.
Sony’s advanced systems have powered NHL operations for nearly a decade.
The company’s Hawk-Eye technology runs the replay systems that help officials make accurate calls in all 32 NHL arenas.
These sophisticated systems give the NHL the precision it needs for replay reviews and coaching challenges.
The technology has grown beyond officiating to help with medical assessments and player safety protocols.
Sony’s Beyond Sports creates cutting-edge animated content
The most revolutionary part of this partnership centers on Sony’s Beyond Sports division.
This artificial intelligence company transforms sports data into visual experiences that completely change how fans watch games.
The NHL and Sony’s Beyond Sports started working together in 2018 on projects using NHL player tracking data.
Sony’s division has turned complex hockey statistics into content that gets fans excited about the game.
The company has created animated broadcasts like the NHL Big City Greens Classic, which earned a Sports Emmy nomination.
Sony’s team also created Tommy Hawk’s Birthday Party, which made history as the first regional animated broadcast that ran in real-time.
Sony has other projects too, like NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week, that draw in fans who don’t usually watch traditional games.
Roblox hockey game pulls in huge numbers
Sony’s Beyond Sports created NHL Blast on Roblox.
Over one million people tried the game in April 2023, just in the first month it was available.
The massive response demonstrates how technology can help the NHL reach younger fans who might not watch traditional broadcasts.
NHL Executive Vice President of Business Development & Innovation David Lehanski praised the partnership.
"Partnering with Sony, a best-in-class industry leader, will help further the goals of our technology efforts to engage passionate NHL fans around the globe," Lehanski said. "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 & Player Tracking and animated programming, to bring fans closer to our great game and showcase the NHL as a worldwide technology leader."
Sony’s camera innovations capture the action
Sony cameras and production equipment have been fixtures in NHL broadcasts and sports photography for years.
NHL clubs and broadcast partners regularly trust Sony equipment to capture the most defining moments of games.
The company’s cameras are positioned in unique locations, including inside nets, to capture angles that fans have never seen before.
NHL clubs rely on Sony technology to process and deliver the best camera angles in real-time to millions of fans watching around the world.
Partnership promises revolutionary fan experiences
The expanded partnership will increase Sony’s Beyond Sports production of NHL animated data visualizations.
It will also broaden usage of Sony’s Hawk-Eye measuring and tracking technologies.
The companies plan to invest in various Sony products and technologies designed to bring NHL fans closer to the game.
Future developments will include mobile apps and extended reality (XR) experiences.
Sander J. Schouten, Managing Director of Beyond Sports, emphasized the partnership’s significance.
"Our partnership with the NHL is more than a collaboration — it’s a shared commitment to innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology," Schouten said. "We’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in sport tech, delivering exciting, data-driven innovations that are not only redefining how sport is consumed but together, with Sony’s sports businesses, are establishing new benchmarks for the entire industry."
Technology transforms the sports viewing experience
Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics, highlighted Sony’s commitment to sports innovation.
"From imaging and broadcast to some of the world’s most advanced data visualization and tracking innovations, Sony remains committed to helping create the future of sports through technology," Alesso said. "This partnership builds upon a successful history of collaborations between the NHL and Sony, and we are excited to reinforce our commitment to the game, fans, and players."
Sony and the NHL have been working together for years, but this deal takes their relationship to a whole new level.
This expanded partnership with Sony positions the League as a technology leader among professional sports organizations.
Data collected through optical tracking cameras will be integral to creating live NHL animated data visualizations and post-production content.
The information will also power replay technology and future mobile app and XR experiences.
The future of hockey viewing is here
Sony’s Emmy Award-winning visualization platform enables real-time digital and virtual sports engagement solutions.
These innovations benefit leagues, broadcasters, brands, and ultimately consumers who want more immersive sports experiences.
The NHL entertains more than 670 million fans annually through in-arena experiences and broadcast partners.
The League has more than 191 million followers across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
Games are broadcast in more than 260 countries and territories through various rightsholders.
This Sony partnership ensures that hockey fans around the world will have access to cutting-edge viewing experiences that bring them closer to the action than ever before.
The combination of Sony’s technological expertise and the NHL’s commitment to innovation promises to revolutionize how Americans and international fans experience professional hockey.
