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Verizon Becomes NHL's Official 5G Sponsor

Verizon is now the official 5G sponsor of the NHL, through a new multiyear deal being announced this morning. Verizon is also the NHL’s official wireless services partner and official mobile edge compute sponsor in the U.S. Financial terms were not disclosed. NHL Exec VP/Business Development & Innovation David Lehanski said the NHL “engaged with all of the major carriers in the country” before striking a deal with Verizon. Lehanski explained that the league needed to “enhance the current wireless networks in our buildings and the infrastructure” if it wanted fans to take advantage of in-arena engagement opportunities, including playing real-time fantasy games, placing a bet and using an AR app as it relates to real-time overlays with new puck and player tracking.

"It was critical for us to build a system that had the ability to deliver the data with low levels of latency so that we could cater to this complimentary, real-time experiences that we wanted to have in place and grow in the future,” Lehanski said. All U.S. teams, the league, venue operators and Verizon will collaborate on installing 5G at all U.S. arenas, though it is unclear when that will begin, largely due to COVID-19, access to team buildings and uncertainty on when the '20-21 season will begin. Lehanski said it will be a multiyear task of installing the enhanced system.

Verizon Chief Media Officer John Nitti said, "We’re looking forward to highlighting solutions that enhance the fan experience and working together to build the next generation of hockey fandom no matter where you are." Verizon, who is also now an official technology partner for the league, will receive some “high-profile branding” throughout the regular season, within broadcast and at NHL events. Those details are still being finalized, according to Lehanski.

Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports is now a season-long fantasy sponsor of the NHL and official sports betting sponsor via its relationship with BetMGM. Lehanski said the league and Yahoo are currently focused on creating new fantasy games and free-to-play games for fans. In the future, using the data from the puck and player tracking system will also be incorporated into fantasy, he said.

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