In June 2025, Sony and the NHL announced a multi-year technology partnership. This collaboration aims to elevate the fan experience and enhance league operations. Sony's cutting-edge technologies will deepen fans' connections to the game while streamlining coaching and broadcasting processes.
Since 2015, the NHL has utilized Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology for replay reviews and player safety assessments[1]. This partnership builds upon that history, expanding its scope to include Sony’s Beyond Sports division. Hawk-Eye's technology enriches the broadcasting experience by supplying high-caliber, real-time visual data. This strategic advantage is nothing new for Sony, which has already transformed sports like tennis and cricket with Hawk-Eye's precision technology.
Sony's Beyond Sports division specializes in animated data visualization, turning raw data into engaging fan experiences. In an era where sports consumption is increasingly digital and interactive, these visualizations provide fans with in-depth game analyses that go beyond traditional broadcasting methods. The partnership aims to harness this power by integrating data visualization into mobile apps and augmented reality experiences. Beyond merely showcasing technology, it brings the NHL closer to younger, tech-savvy audiences.
The collaboration also addresses the growing demand for more immersive experiences among sports fans. The NHL will field-test specific technologies like player-tracking features, providing new layers of data for deeper game analysis. For instance, player positioning and puck-tracking data will offer unprecedented insight into game dynamics. This technological leap aims to transform how the NHL game is both played and consumed, reinforcing the league’s status as a technology leader in sports.
Sony's partnership with the NHL is more than a routine agreement; it's a joint commitment to innovate the future of sports. By merging hardware, like Sony's high-resolution cameras, with software solutions, the NHL brings fans closer to the game than ever. As the partnership unfolds, it's clear that this collaboration could redefine what it means to experience hockey, setting new benchmarks for technology in sports.
References:
1. NHL, Sony Announce Multiyear Global Technology Partnership
