On Wednesday, the NHL announced details about a new global technology partnership with Sony.

“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,” David Lehanski, the NHL’s Executive Vice President, Business Development & Innovation said via the league’s press release. “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.”

Since 2015, the NHL has utilized Sony’s cameras and technology to support coaches’ challenges and replay reviews.

The collaboration between Sony and the League expanded to include Sony’s Beyond Sports division in 2018 with the onset of NHL EDGE’s player and puck tracking data.

The specific provisions of this expansion of the partnership will focus on increasing Beyond Sports’ production of animated data visualizations, broadening tracking data captured by Sony’s Hawk-Eye technologies and making further investments in Sony technology to “bring NHL fans closer to the game than ever before.”

“Our partnership with the NHL is more than a collaboration — it’s a shared commitment to innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology,” added Sander J. Schouten, the Managing Director of Beyond Sports. “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.”

In theory, increased camera angles and better quality will continue to improve the speed and accuracy of challenges and video reviews.

According to Scouting the Refs, teams improved on their success rate on coaches’ challenges from 69% in 2023-2024 to 71% in 2024-2025 as of February.

How do you see the role of sports science and technology in transforming the training regimes of Indian athletes? Can this lead to better performance at global events like the Olympics?

India’s embrace of sports technology is indicative of a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to athletics. The integration of data analytics, wearable technology, virtual reality, and more, has the potential to redefine how athletes train, compete, and succeed. Wearable technology, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and heart rate monitors, has become an integral part of Indian athletes’ training routines. These devices help monitor and analyze key physiological indicators, enabling coaches to tailor training programs based on real-time data. Athletes can now track their heart rate; distance covered, calorie expenditure, and even sleep patterns, empowering them to optimize their training and recovery. As technology continues to evolve, India’s sports ecosystem is primed to harness innovation for even greater achievements on the global stage. With enhanced performance and strategic insights at their fingertips, Indian athletes are poised to conquer new heights and inspire generations to come.

Data analytics has become a vital tool in sports performance. How do you envision leveraging data science to identify and nurture medal-winning potential among Indian athletes?

The sophistication of analytics in sport has grown exponentially, employing advanced statistical models, machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics to dissect and understand every characteristic of the game. Techniques such as time series analysis for performance trends, cluster analysis for player segmentation and neural networks for injury prediction are now commonplace. These methodologies allow teams to simulate countless scenarios, anticipate opponent strategies and optimise training regimens, leading to improved outcomes on and off the field. The integration of wearables and sensors further amplifies the granularity of data, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of Indian athlete’s physical and mental well-being.

How is NCSSR collaborating with sports federations and other global sports science bodies to bring the best practices in sports technology to India?

NCSSR collaborated with IIT Madras and BITS Pilani to foster research partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Undertaking Research Project with IIT Madras on:

• Performance Modelling for Archery at SAI RC, Sonipat

• Data analytics model for Sports Sciences assessments

• Indigenous performance prediction model by use of wearable technologies for Sports Specific training and monitoring

• Yoga Postures, Motion Analysis and Scoring System

An MoU is planned with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi to undertake joint research on Effect of Yoga on Cognitive Function & Sporting Performance. Developing and implementing in-house initiatives to enhance athlete performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation through evidence-based approaches.

An MoU is also planned with IIT Delhi to design and develop specialized sensors that capture detailed biomechanical data during sports and exercise activities tailored explicitly for para athletes and also to utilize biomechanical data analysis to identify potential injury risks among para- athletes and develop targeted injury prevention strategies to minimize the risk of sports- related injuries.

What steps are being taken to ensure that the benefits of sports science and technology are extended to grassroots-level athletes, not just elite athletes?

Sports Science services are being provided at coaching facilities such as the SAI National Centre of Excellence, Khelo India State Centre of Excellence and other advanced training centres, where India’s developmental-level athletes are training. Besides, Sports Medicine support is now available at all centres and through partner medical institutions. These steps are helping in identifying and implementing performance enhancement interventions for athletes. Besides, there is standardization of infrastructure layout, sports science equipment, skilled manpower for various categories (grassroots, intermediate, elite and high performance centre) which is acting as an enhancer in performance.

Looking towards the 2036 Olympics, how do you believe NCSSR’s initiatives will directly contribute to India’s preparation and medal potential across different sporting disciplines?

India’s Olympic success is heavily dependent on investing in world-class training facilities and access to modern equipment. Sports science plays a crucial role in modern athletics by aiding in injury prevention, performance analysis, and recovery. Through biomechanical assessments and physiological monitoring, sports scientists can identify potential injury risks and implement preventive measures to keep athletes healthy. Performance analysis using advanced tools like motion capture and wearable technology helps athletes refine techniques and optimize their training regimens. With more personalized attention, athletes can receive tailored training programs, focused rehabilitation, and individualized mental conditioning. This comprehensive support system enables athletes to optimize their performance, addressing physical, technical, and psychological needs, ultimately leading to better results in competitions.

Data analytics and technology further enhance training and competition strategies. By analyzing performance data, coaches and athletes can identify strengths and weaknesses, tailor training programs, and devise effective competition strategies. Technology such as virtual reality simulations and AI-driven insights provides athletes with a competitive edge, allowing them to prepare for various scenarios and improve their overall performance. Integrating these advancements into training programs ensures athletes are well-equipped to excel on the global stage.

In addition to physical performance, mental conditioning is critical for high-pressure competitions. How can technology be harnessed to enhance the psychological resilience of Indian athletes?

There are mental strategies that athletes can practice to overcome mental roadblocks and promote successful performance. They can help athletes set realistic, challenging and flexible goals. Mental approaches, such as relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, focus plans, visualization and choking or panicking strategies, can help athletes confront mental barriers and trust their training to maintain confidence. The latest developments in sports psychology technology are all about harnessing the power of the mind to enhance athletic performance. From virtual reality simulations to biofeedback systems, these tools are designed to give athletes an edge, both mentally and physically. One of the most exciting innovations is a virtual reality system that simulates high-pressure sports scenarios. By immersing athletes in these environments, they can practice mental resilience and decision-making under stress. Another significant advancement is in the realm of biofeedback and neurofeedback. These technologies monitor physiological responses like heart rate and brain activity, giving athletes real-time insights into their stress levels and mental focus. This information can be used to tailor training and recovery plans, ensuring athletes are at their peak when it matters most.

With the rapid advancements in AI and machine learning, do you foresee these technologies becoming integral to injury prevention and recovery protocols for Indian athletes, helping them stay at peak performance for events like the Olympics?

Machine Learning and analytics have made it so that AI can enhance injury prevention. With ML, there are algorithms that use predictive analytics of the biomechanical data of patients to identify vulnerabilities. An example of this analysis is an ML-based fall risk tool assessment that produced early warning signs to help older adults prevent falls. These tools can use risk prediction as an early intervention strategy and help PTs create and monitor rehabilitation for the athletes too.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has returned as a Gold sponsor of SVG Europe.

AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centres globally. Millions of customers, including broadcasters and federations, use AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster.

This includes the National Hockey League (NHL) which worked with AWS to produce the first cloud-based live-to-air broadcast for a major North American sporting event last year.  The company also has a strategic relationship with Formula 1, which began in 2018 when AWS became the Official Cloud and Machine Learning Provider of F1.

Over the past seven years, the collaboration has consistently delivered innovations that elevate the on-track competition, as well as the off-track experience for fans, with a focus on optimising live broadcast and streaming services. With more than a million data points per second coming off the cars, the cornerstone of Formula 1’s partnership with AWS is the ability to extract valuable insights from all this data. This year, this includes the Real-Time Race Track experience, a brand-new interactive digital experience that allows fans to create, customise and share their own F1 track design, putting the power of the sport’s comprehensive data and AWS’s advanced analytics and artificial intelligence directly in the hands of fans.

Also this year, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe launched Cycling Central Intelligence (CCI), a generative AI-powered platform developed in collaboration with AWS, that transforms how mountain bike events are brought to viewers worldwide.

CCI is designed dramatically improve efficiencies for cycling commentators by mitigating the challenges of accessing comprehensive information about riders, venues and race histories within a live broadcasting environment. By providing instant access to a wealth of data points, it will empower commentary teams to deliver even richer, contextual storytelling to better connect fans with their favourite sport.

The NHL will expand the use of Sony’s skeletal tracking Hawk-Eye technology under a multiyear tie-up that could impact how hockey games are officiated and the way they are viewed at home. 

The deal makes Sony an official NHL technology partner, with connections ranging from the use of Sony cameras to the company’s Beyond Sports team helping the league recreate hockey games as animated visualizations in real time. 

“When you look at the total partnership, the way we set it up, obviously it runs across Sony,” said David Lehanski, NHL executive vice president of business development and innovation. “So it canvases across their whole company in a way that’s going to affect everyone in our community.”

The NHL has used Sony technology for replay reviews specifically since 2015.

“The NHL were the first within the U.S. to do video review, and now that is used almost universally across global sports,” Hawk-Eye, Pulselive and Beyond Sports CEO Rufus Hack said. “We now have 1,500 people who work for our business globally, and actually having them delivering at a world-class level—and understanding what the pressure is of delivering some of these solutions in the heat of battle—is actually almost one of the most important things that we’ve learned from the NHL and early adopters in cricket and tennis that we’ve been able to port into other sports.”

The NFL will use Hawk-Eye for evaluating line-to-gain decisions starting this season, while European soccer leagues have leveraged similar tools for automated offsides and goal reviews. All 32 NHL arenas now have 60-frames-per-second optical tracking setups that follow 29 points on each player and three points on each stick.

Lehanski said the league is evaluating the potential use of tracking data to quickly weigh in on offsides infractions and goals, though the speed and physicality of hockey present unique challenges. 

The same tracking data that would be used to assist those calls is already being deployed by teams as a player evaluation tool. Increasingly, it’s changing the way fans watch sports, too.

Early player tracking data has been used for kid-friendly animated broadcasts. With the added precision of limb and stick data, analysts such as P.K. Subban now don VR headsets to put themselves on virtual ice, with 360-degree views of the action. 

Going forward, the NHL would like to give fans a similar opportunity. Digital recreations could live within web-based or video game environments that allow consumers to manipulate the perspective and even attempt to recreate on-ice feats. To do so, the league could tap additional Sony arms, such as its PlayStation platform, which includes VR functionality. Beyond Sports has already helped the NHL deliver feeds in Roblox, drawing more than one million unique visitors in the first month of that activation back in 2023.

“We think at Sony, we’ve got a really unique mix of capabilities,” Hack said. “We want to bring in the best of PlayStation, the best of Sony Music, Sony Pictures … so we can really help take the sports industry to a new level.”

How REP Fitness is helping gyms rethink equipment, flow and ROI

In today’s ultra-competitive fitness market, bigger isn’t always better. For gym operators looking to maximize ROI and member satisfaction, every square foot matters. Cramped layouts, bulky machines and underutilized zones can work against your business goals. Instead, success often lies in doing more with less: offering a smart, streamlined and highly functional space that delivers both versatility and value.

Rethinking Space: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

That’s where REP Fitness shines. The brand’s ethos is built on the very idea that oversized doesn’t equal better. Rather than flooding floors with massive rigs, REP prioritizes modular, space-conscious equipment designed to withstand heavy use while enhancing the user experience.

“Here at REP, we don’t view overbuilt or oversized equipment as a positive and that sets us apart from much of the industry,” says Sam Pizer, REP Fitness VP of Product Development. “While other companies focus on making equipment massive, we focus on building robust products that can withstand the demands of a commercial gym while maximizing space.”

This emphasis on space efficiency is realized through a clear commitment to multifunctionality. “Whether it’s a customer with a home gym or a large commercial facility, we understand that space is often limited. As mentioned in our design ethos, bigger is not always better,” Pizer adds. “Focusing on multifunctionality helps our customers get the best return on investment (ROI).”

The result? Equipment that delivers versatile performance without compromising on biomechanics or durability. “We design our equipment to have great biomechanics despite the added functionality. If it doesn’t enhance the experience, we leave it out.”

For commercial operators, that balance of performance and simplicity is key to standing out. “REP’s thoughtful designs and modularity allow gym owners to maximize space and value, while truly catering to the needs and wants of their members,” says Pizer. “By providing reliable, user-friendly equipment, gyms can foster member confidence and pride in their fitness environment, enhancing the overall experience and driving long-term retention.”

Modular Design That Grows With You

That philosophy helped win over F45 Training, a global franchise known for its group workouts. As strength training demand grew, the company realized its equipment and programming needed an upgrade. “By investing in a PR-5000 with a Dual-Sided Athena, they tapped into the rising strength training trend, re-engaged their members and expanded their programming library with over 600 new movements,” says Pizer.

The PR-5000 is emblematic of REP’s approach: modular and rugged, and built to help gym owners adapt and scale. “You can start with a base rack and add ATHENA cable towers to introduce functional trainer capabilities within the same footprint,” Pizer explains. “As your space expands, you can add storage or other accessories to improve organization and functionality.”

This kind of modular thinking is exactly what drew REP-sponsored athlete Mike Adaila, owner of Denver’s Physical Culture Club, to the PR-5000 and ARES 2.0 systems. “We have four of those racks at our gym. It’s kind of like having four mini gyms in one big gym,” Adaila says. “We do circuit-style training with three people per rack rotating through exercises — it’s extremely efficient.”

Other innovations, like the ARES 2.0, take multifunctionality to another level. With dual weight stacks, the system allows two users to train simultaneously without interference — an important factor in high-traffic environments. “Using multi-use stations, gyms can eliminate the need for multiple standalone machines, saving space and increasing ROI,” says Pizer. “The proximity of users can also help gym operators get more out of their coaching staff, as fewer coaches are needed to monitor workouts in a more compact area.”

Even the feel of the equipment is designed to match the quality of stand-alone machines. “You won’t feel a difference when using the ARES for true isometric exercises, or the Adonis for the 1:1 lat pulldown and low-row functions,” says Pizer. “These machines combine compactness with top-tier performance, providing excellent biomechanics and durability.”

Adaila also highlights how the dual pulleys on the ARES support more athletic, real-world training. “Doing rotational or cross-body movements on the cables is super functional for our members who are out hiking, skiing or trail running,” he says. “It helps them move better outside the gym.”

Adding cable systems like the Athena unlocks another level of functionality. “Anytime you can integrate a cable system into your facility, you open up a world of new opportunities,” says Joe Koenecke, REP Fitness National Retail Sales Manager. “You can pair it with our Pegasus Seat to perform single-arm lat pulldowns or use traditional attachments for bodybuilding movements like tricep extensions, biceps curls and lateral raises.”

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“The benefit of the Athena cable system is that no additional floor space is taken up by adding a functional trainer,” he continues. “It’s typically more cost effective than your traditional off-rack cable systems.”

Smart Planning for Sustainable Success

REP’s commitment to space optimization extends beyond equipment into the planning phase. Their design software and consultative process help facilities visualize their ideal layout with precision. “From our initial calls to learn about your clientele and training methodology, to creating 2D and 3D renderings to help you visualize your dream space, we are here each step of the way,” says Koenecke.

That proactive approach helps avoid one of the most common pitfalls in gym design: poor planning. “The last thing you want to do if you’re opening a new facility is to have to make decisions to meet a timeline, rather than to create the best possible training space for your clientele and coaches,” Koenecke notes. “We always recommend starting early. Give yourself time to plan the flow of your space and pick the right equipment that will be with you for years.”

Looking ahead, REP sees its modular ecosystem playing a pivotal role in helping operators future-proof their facilities. “There’s no surprise that commercial facilities of all types are anticipated to grow,” says Koenecke. “Curating a space that’s multi-purpose, while minimizing the floor space needed to achieve it, allows you to get more members in your doors without feeling claustrophobic.”

That future-facing mindset is also reflected in REP’s upcoming Smith Machine. “It will elevate the modularity of our rack systems, allowing even more functionality within a compact footprint. You can expect this Smith Machine to be buttery smooth and outperform other standalone options,” Pizer says.

Ultimately, REP Fitness offers more than equipment — it offers a new way of thinking about gym design. By prioritizing thoughtful engineering, modularity and multifunctionality, the company empowers operators to create smarter spaces that meet today’s demands and adapt to tomorrow’s growth. And that’s a win for owners, members and margins alike.

Partnership Includes Expanded Usage of Sony’s Beyond Sports Data Analysis and Visualization Technology, Hawk-Eye Technology, Camera Innovations, and more; Click here for images and video

NEW YORK and SAN DIEGO, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sony and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced a new multiyear global technology partnership naming Sony an Official NHL Technology Partner.

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 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 than ever before. 

“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,” said David Lehanski, NHL Executive Vice President, Business Development & Innovation. “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.”

“Our partnership with the NHL is more than a collaboration — it’s a shared commitment to innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology,” commented Sander J. Schouten, Managing Director, Beyond Sports, a Sony Group company. “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.”

“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,” says Theresa Alesso, President, Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “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.”

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. 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 & Player Tracking) positional data. Sony’s 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. Sony’s 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. These initiatives have expanded the League’s reach among younger audiences and set new standards for sports data integration.

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.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © 2025 NHL.  All Rights Reserved.

About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit https://www.sony.com/news for more information.

Sony’s Beyond Sports is an AI based company specializing in data processing, distribution and visualization that offers a new way of experiencing sports to engage the next generation of fans. Our Emmy Award winning visualization platform enables real-time digital and virtual sports engagement solutions for leagues, broadcasters, brands and, ultimately, consumers.

Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations has been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies are trusted by the world’s biggest sporting events to make sport more fair, safer, more engaging and better informed. 

About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers – league, team and player accounts combined – across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 260 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, WBD Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Prime Video, Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; and via SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™, Sports USA and TuneIn; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country.

Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Productions develops compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.

The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s social impact platform, NHL Unites, reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. Through the NHL’s investments in communities across North America, the League is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey. Last season, a record number of girls and boys stepped onto the ice and tried hockey for the first time. The NHL’s premiere ball hockey program, NHL STREET, continues its expansion into NHL and non-NHL markets, offering fun and affordable hockey for youth. And in arenas Leaguewide, more than 350 cultural celebrations nights are held, celebrating fans of all backgrounds. The League’s efforts continue to foster more inclusive environments and grow the game through a greater diversity of participants.

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SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.