OneCourt launches haptic tablets for blind NHL fans at major games
Seattle startup OneCourt partners with the NHL and Ticketmaster to give blind and low‑vision fans tactile tablets at key hockey events, opening new accessibility and investment opportunities.
Seattle‑based startup OneCourt, founded in 2021 at the University of Washington, is rolling out complimentary haptic tablets that let blind and low‑vision fans feel every play during National Hockey League games. The program, launched with the Oct. 25, 2026 Heritage Classic in Winnipeg, will expand to the Dec. 31 Winter Classic in Salt Lake City, the Feb. 5‑6 2027 All‑Star Weekend in New York and the Feb. 20 2027 Stadium Series in Dallas, as well as home games for the Avalanche, Capitals, Blackhawks and Red Wings.
What happened
The NHL and Ticketmaster announced a partnership to distribute OneCourt’s tactile tablets at all major league events across North America this season. The devices translate real‑time game data from NHL EDGE puck and player‑tracking systems into precise vibrations, allowing users to sense passes, shots and goals through their fingertips. Ticketmaster’s head of sports, Kurt Schwartzkopf, called the collaboration a “milestone achievement for accessibility in live sports.”
Why it matters for investors
OneCourt’s entry into a high‑visibility sports league gives the startup a platform that could accelerate its growth in the broader accessibility‑technology market, which analysts estimate to be worth billions of dollars globally. By partnering with the NHL—already a leader in live‑game ASL broadcasts—OneCourt gains credibility and a ready‑made distribution channel through Ticketmaster’s ticket‑sale network.
Investors are watching the startup’s ability to monetize the technology beyond complimentary deployments. Potential revenue streams include licensing the haptic engine to other leagues, selling premium tablets to venues, and offering data‑analytics services that combine tactile feedback with fan‑engagement metrics. The move also aligns with a growing trend of venture capital backing inclusive tech; billionaire‑led startups are attracting record funding, suggesting capital may be available if OneCourt can demonstrate scalable demand.
What it means for consumers
For blind and low‑vision hockey fans, the tablets turn a visual sport into a multi‑sensory experience. Users hold the device on their lap; as the puck moves, the tablet vibrates in patterns that correspond to speed, direction and impact. The technology aims to “bring the pulse of every move, pass, shot, and goal alongside everyone else in the arena,” according to OneCourt CEO Jerred Mace.
Beyond the NHL, the partnership signals that major entertainment providers are taking accessibility seriously, potentially prompting similar solutions in concerts, theater and other live events.
What to watch next
Expansion to additional NHL teams and regular‑season games after the initial tentpole events.
Commercial rollout plans: whether OneCourt will begin charging venues or fans for the tablets once the pilot proves successful.
Adoption by other sports leagues—such as the NBA, NFL or MLB—that have their own player‑tracking data streams.
Potential follow‑on funding rounds, especially if the startup can demonstrate revenue from licensing or subscription models.
Key facts
Company: OneCourt, founded 2021 in Seattle.
Partnership: NHL and Ticketmaster.
First event: Oct. 25, 2026 NHL Heritage Classic, Winnipeg.
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