Press Releases

Donated by tech company huupe to bring advanced sports technology to the heart of NYC

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, huupe CEO Paul Anton, elected officials (TBD), and community members cut the ribbon today on the first-of-its-kind smart basketball hoop in Tompkins Square Park. This hoop introduces cutting-edge sports technology to the heart of New York City, making it accessible to local communities.

"Partnering with innovative companies like huupe is crucial for NYC Parks as we strive to enhance recreational opportunities throughout the city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “By integrating cutting-edge technology to our recreational facilities, we are not only modernizing our parks but also making high-quality sports experiences accessible to all New Yorkers.

“We're donating this huupe to the City of New York to create opportunities for more kids to fall in love with the game, see a new type of innovation and to bring more people into the family of basketball,” said Huupe CEO Paul Anton. “We want to see people, especially kids, experience the same excitement and innovation that inspired us to create huupe."

“Tompkins Square Park is a perfect place to pilot this exciting technology from huupe. I hope basketball players in our neighborhood will take advantage of this opportunity to get real-time feedback on their skills,” said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein.

The event featured a special basketball clinic where kids learned and played with the new technology.

The new basketball hoop technology offers a range of advanced features designed to elevate the game. Its waterproof backboard functions as a video screen, delivering expert training content, live TV, and interactive elements to enrich the playing experience. Equipped with advanced sensors and an integrated webcam, the hoop provides real-time feedback on shot accuracy, trajectory, and court positioning, allowing players to refine their skills with precision.

Additionally, huupe facilitates global gaming by enabling real-time shooting contests with players from around the world, boasting 99% accuracy in tracking remote competitions and fostering a competitive, international community.

The concept for huupe originated from a remote game of 'PIG' played via Snapchat between lifelong friends Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed. Their experience highlighted a gap in remote sports interactions, sparking the creation of huupe. Launched officially last year, huupe has since garnered attention from celebrities, NBA players, and sports enthusiasts. Now, Anton and Saeed are dedicated to extending its benefits to underserved communities.

The Hoop was installed on Tuesday, August 27, and will be up until early October. Support from huupe has been made possible through the NYC Parks Adopt-a-Park program. For more information on Adopt-a-Park, visit Parks’ website.