NHL and VAST Data Partner to Revolutionize Media Ops

The National Hockey League (NHL®) has announced a transformative partnership with VAST Data, the AI data platform company, to enhance and streamline its media production and archival operations. This multiyear North American collaboration will see the deployment of the VAST Data Platform across all 32 NHL arenas, simplifying the management of over 20 petabytes of League data.

This partnership builds on five years of co-engineering between the NHL and VAST Data, addressing the League’s growing data management demands. By transitioning from 15 separate workflows with isolated storage systems to a unified data platform, the NHL has eliminated the need for multiple asset management systems. This consolidated approach enables the League to efficiently utilize AI-powered discovery tools across its extensive data archives, unlocking new opportunities for content creation and enhancing the fan experience.

“Our partnership with VAST will help the NHL streamline workflows across our live production and archival footage, providing fast, secure access to these data assets anywhere, while simultaneously modernizing and future-proofing our data infrastructure for AI,” said Grant Nodine, NHL Senior Vice President of Technology. “By consolidating our data infrastructure into one scalable, unified data platform, VAST is enabling us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.”

Transformative Features of the VAST Data Platform

The NHL is leveraging the full capabilities of the VAST Data Platform to modernize and enhance its operations:

• VAST DataStore: Efficiently manages, edits, and distributes the League’s complete archive, including game footage, live recordings, production data, captions, and back-office operations.
• VAST DataSpace: Provides real-time data replication across all 32 NHL arenas, significantly accelerating post-production processes, highlight creation, and distribution to teams and media partners.
• VAST DataBase: Collects near real-time metadata for all media assets, enabling advanced analytical tools to filter and report on key moments, player activities, logos, and specific events captured during games.
• VAST DataEngine: Powers AI-driven workflows, including automating highlight generation using NHL EDGE data (Puck and Player Tracking) and restoring historic footage with AI capabilities.

Driving Innovation in Sports Broadcasting with AI

“If data is the fuel of AI, the sports media industry holds the keys to one of the world’s greatest reserves,” said Jeff Denworth, Co-Founder at VAST Data. “We’re thrilled to partner with the NHL to redefine professional sports with AI, enabling real-time production and unprecedented opportunities for enhancing player performance analysis and fan engagement.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the NHL’s digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and delivering unparalleled experiences for fans and stakeholders across the sports broadcasting ecosystem.