Verizon Signals New In-Stadium Tech as Official 5G Partner of the NHL

Verizon and the NHL have an exclusive, multi-year agreement to make Verizon the league’s official 5G partner as well as official wireless services partner and official mobile edge computing partner in the U.S.

Through the deal, fantasy partner Verizon-owned Yahoo Sports will be able to offer game highlights and other official NHL-produced content to its fantasy players. Yahoo Sports will also receive an “official sports betting partner” designation, which entails promotional rights for use in connection with its strategic partnership with BetMGM.  

Verizon will install Verizon 5G in select U.S. NHL arenas and “offer consumer demonstrations” at events. The company will also “pilot the development of a MEC use case” for applications that could include allowing fans to have real-time access to video highlights in venues.

“Together, the NHL and Verizon will leverage the capabilities of Verizon 5G and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) to provide fans with access to entirely new experiences and ways to consume live game content, including leveraging the output of our puck and player tracking system, all in ‘true’ real time,” NHL Executive Vice President, Business Development and Innovation Dave Lehanski said in an announcement. 

On Sept. 18, Verizon filed a patent for “Verizon 5G SuperStadium” which indicated that it is looking to launch an app to enable users to see live multi-view camera feeds while at events. 

“5G Ultra Wideband opens up new opportunities for sports fans and now especially NHL fans to interact with their favorite teams and players, giving them the ability to watch the game from multiple angles, as well as get stats and fantasy scores on players through immersive fan experiences,” Verizon Chief Media Officer John Nitti added. 

Verizon has previously rolled out 5G capabilities in 24 NFL stadiums as well as a handful of NBA arenas. The company is also the official 5G partner of NASCAR.