National Hockey League has partnered with Verizon to launch a first-of-its-kind Innovation Lab, positioning itself at the forefront of technology development in U.S. professional sports.
The facility, developed in collaboration with the New Jersey Devils, will be located inside the Prudential Center in Newark and is designed to serve as a centralized hub for testing and deploying emerging technologies across the league.
A first among major U.S. leagues
With this move, the NHL becomes the first major U.S. sports league—ahead of the NBA, NFL, and MLB—to establish a dedicated environment for the incubation, validation, and real-world testing of new technologies within a simulated arena setting.
The lab will focus on tools aimed at improving on-ice performance, game operations, officiating, and fan engagement, offering practical applications for teams, coaches, referees, and venue staff.
Bridging technology and performance
According to the league, the Innovation Lab will explore how advanced technologies can enhance both the sporting product and the live event experience. This includes everything from player tracking and officiating support systems to next-generation fan interaction tools.
By embedding the lab within an active NHL arena, the league aims to accelerate the transition from concept to implementation.
Strong financial backdrop
The initiative comes as the NHL continues to benefit from rising franchise valuations. The Toronto Maple Leafs remain the league’s most valuable franchise at $4.25 billion, followed by the New York Rangers at $3.65 billion and the Montreal Canadiens at $3.3 billion.
Recent transactions further highlight the league’s financial momentum, including the $1.7 billion sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a minority stake deal involving the Carolina Hurricanes, valuing the franchise at $2.66 billion.