ESPN is bringing fans closer to the action than ever before with a new level of immersive analysis, powered by virtual reality. As part of its continued push into tech-enhanced storytelling, ESPN is now using Meta Quest VR headsets to break down NBA and NHL gameplay in a fully virtual environment — blending real-time data with next-gen visuals.
Showcased on ESPN platforms, the experience combines three key technologies:
- Hawk-Eye Innovations supplies ultra-precise limb-tracking data via optical cameras around the arena.
- Beyond Sports transforms that data into a dynamic, avatar-driven virtual environment.
- Meta Quest Pro enables ESPN analysts to enter that environment in real time — facial expressions, body movements and all.
ICYMI: @PKSubban1 stepped inside the Oilers-Stars game last night on #NHL on ESPN
Using @MetaQuestVR headset, he broke down gameplay w/real-time player & puck movement powered by @Hawkeye_view & NHL EDGE Puck & Player Tracking visualized thru Beyond Sports’ virtual environment pic.twitter.com/is6PwZ86Kp
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) May 22, 2025
ESPN VP of Production Linda Schulz emphasized the value of behind the scenes collaboration to bring this experience to life. “The NHL team is grateful for the opportunity to partner with our production technologies lead Phil Orlins and the NBA to invest in brand-new immersive, virtual reality to further the analysis experience for our fans.”
“Once we saw what Beyond Sports could do with tracking data, we realized we could show the action from any angle and immerse our analysts directly in the environment — something we felt would create a unique and engaging experience for fans,” said Phil Orlins, VP, Production.
In addition to offering groundbreaking visuals, the headset’s real-time perspective allows analysts to align their commentary with what viewers are seeing — from a first-person view of a fast break to a rink-level look at defensive shifts.
“For analysts, it opens up entirely new perspectives — angles that were previously impossible because cameras simply couldn’t be placed there,” Orlins added. “Their gaze becomes the shot.”
As for first reactions from the analysts?
“I feel like this tech was made for guys like me who really want to teach the game,” said NBA Commentator Tim Legler. “It lets me show viewers what players are actually processing in real time, which gives you a deeper understanding of their decision-making. Hopefully, it helps fans notice things the next time they watch a game — stuff they might’ve missed or not fully understood before.
“It changes the perspective from being in studio to actually being on the ice, which allows me to break down the play a lot more accurately…,” added NHL Analyst P.K. Subban. ”Standing on the ice, you have a better understanding of spacing where the puck is in angles, so it really gives us a big advantage.”
This technology represents a major shift in how ESPN can deliver live sports coverage and analysis.
“As real-time data becomes faster and more precise, and as avatar realism continues to evolve — much like the progression of video game graphics — we’re unlocking the ability to put fans and analysts directly into the game environment,” said Orlins. “Over time, these experiences will only get more immersive and lifelike, making this kind of virtual, data-driven storytelling an increasingly important and common part of how fans engage with live sports.”
Western Conference Final action continues Thursday, May 29, with Game 5 between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+ & ESPN Deportes.
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Olivia Coryell and Ronce Rajan also contributed to this feature
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