Case Study: Phoenix Suns boost player performance and fan engagement with Verizon 5G and MEC

The Phoenix Suns Have a Winning Strategy with Verizon, MEC and a 5G Arena

The Phoenix Suns partnered with Verizon Business to modernize both player development and fan engagement. The team needed a better training environment to collect and analyze performance data in real time, and they also wanted to turn the Footprint Center into a 5G arena that could deliver a stronger in-person and digital fan experience.

Verizon Business implemented the Verizon 5G Performance Center with 5G Ultra Wideband, MEC, cameras, sensors, and connected analytics tools, plus 5G and Wi-Fi upgrades at Footprint Center and BlueJeans for live content and fan interaction. The result was near-real-time access to player and biometric data, better coaching and injury-prevention insights, a more connected fan experience, and measurable business impact including 17 additional wins over the previous year, a playoff run to the NBA Finals, and support for more than 17,000 fans per game.

Phoenix Suns

Dan Costello

Chief revenue officer and Senior VP of business innovation