League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Match Previews

ESPN launches high-tech Studio W for NHL season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 1:00 AM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

ESPN launches high-tech Studio W for NHL season opener

Summary

The 2026–27 NHL season commenced with ESPN broadcasting a tripleheader of games. In conjunction with the season's debut, ESPN revealed its new studio, Studio W, designed for enhanced hockey coverage. Host Steve Levy highlighted the studio's advanced features, including real-time virtual environments and over 148 million pixels on its displays. The studio includes a tribute to Barry Melrose, who recently passed away, underscoring his influential role in ESPN’s hockey coverage over the years.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•The NHL season began with a tripleheader on ESPN.
•Studio W is the network's most advanced studio yet.
•Steve Levy emphasized its real-time virtual capabilities.
•Studio W includes over 9,200 square feet of LED displays.
•A tribute to Barry Melrose is featured in the studio.

Latest Updates

1:00 AMYahoo Sports — ESPN debuts new high-tech ‘Studio W’ for NHL season with nod to Barry Melrose

What they're saying

"
The 2026–27 NHL season got started on Tuesday with ESPN carrying a tripleheader of marquee matchups to celebrate opening day. In addition to broadcasting the games, ESPN debuted its new, high-tech studio that will apparently serve as home base for the network’s hockey coverage this year. Host Steve Levy welcomed viewers into the new studio…
— Yahoo Sports

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