Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

NFL Adopts Sony’s Hawk-Eye Technology for First-Down Measurements in 2025

The league will implement the advanced 8K camera system across all stadiums, reducing measurement time and enhancing officiating accuracy while retaining chain crews in a backup role.

Image
Image
Image
Referees measure for the first down during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019.

Overview

  • The NFL officially announced the adoption of Sony's Hawk-Eye system as the primary method for measuring first downs starting in the 2025 season.
  • Hawk-Eye uses six 8K cameras for optical tracking, providing precise measurements and real-time virtual recreations for in-stadium and broadcast audiences.
  • The system reduces measurement time by approximately 40 seconds compared to the traditional chain gang method, improving game flow and efficiency.
  • Despite the new technology, referees will still determine the initial ball spot, and chain crews will remain on the field in a secondary capacity.
  • The decision aligns with a broader trend in sports to modernize officiating through technology, following successful trials during the 2024 season.