• by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday

Sony and the National Hockey League have agreed to a multiyear global technology partnership that includes expanded use of Sony’s technologies and innovations. 

The NHL and Sony, via its role as an Official NHL technology partner, will work together to evolve the NHL experience for fans, as well as NHL coaches, officials, players and broadcasters, by increasing Sony’s Beyond Sports’ production of NHL animated data visualizations, broadening usage of Sony’s Hawk-Eye measuring and tracking technologies, and investing in various Sony products and technologies that will bring NHL fans closer to the game. 

Partnering with Sony will help further the goals of the NHL’s technology efforts to engage NHL fans around the globe, says David Lehanski, NHL executive vice president, business development and innovation. 

"Advancing the development and implementation of technology on and off the ice is a key priority for the league,” Lehanski says in a release.

The deal will highlight the impact of Sony's groundbreaking work in several of the NHL’s key initiatives, such as NHL Edge Puck and Player Tracking and animated programming.

Both partners have a shared commitment to innovation, creativity and cutting-edge technology, says Sander J. Schouten, managing director, Beyond Sports, a Sony Group company. 

“We’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in sport tech,” he says, adding that the partnership will result in “new benchmarks for the entire industry.”

The NHL has used Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology since 2015 with Synchronized Multi-Angle Replay Technology services installed in all 32 NHL arenas to help provide the speed and accuracy the NHL requires for its replay reviews and coaches’ challenges.

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, according to the NHL.

Sony’s Hawk-Eye will continue to expand technology innovation and support the creation and delivery of more immersive NHL content.

The NHL and Sony’s Beyond Sports first collaborated in 2018 on multiple projects to explore opportunities built on NHL Edge (puck and player tracking) positional data.