The National Football League (NFL) plans to implement state-of-the-art technology for virtual measurements starting with the 2025 season. The new system will use data from six cameras, 12 boundary-line cameras, and 14 SkeleTRACK cameras to provide instant notifications of first downs.
Although the technology doesn’t track the ball, officials will still need to spot it. However, replay assist will confirm the accuracy of placement, providing more accurate and detailed measurements for broadcast and in-stadium graphics.
The league has already tested Sony’s Hawk-Eye tracking services during the 2024 preseason and regular season. The new system significantly reduced measurement times from an average of 75 seconds to just 30 seconds.
While the technology will enhance accuracy, officials’ reliance on spotting the ball remains unchanged. A recent example of this was Josh Allen’s fourth-down quarterback sneak in the AFC Championship Game, which may have benefited from additional camera angles under the new system.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-plans-to-use-state-of-the-art-technology-for-measurements-in-2025