NBA Extends Partnership with Meta for VR Live Broadcasts
The NBA has extended its current partnership with Meta to broadcast its games in the metaverse. The company has announced the broadcast of 52 games in the league using VR (virtual reality) technology on Xtadium, a co-viewing platform. Five of the games will be presented in a more immersive way on Meta’s flagship metaverse app, Horizon Worlds.
NBA to Broadcast 52 Games in the Metaverse
The
NBA has inked a deal to offer some of its games for free in the metaverse. On
January 23, the company announced an extension of its current partnership with
Meta to broadcast its games using VR (virtual reality) technology. The games
will be broadcast on Xtadium, a metaverse app that is used to broadcast
immersive sports experiences using Meta’s consumer headset, the Meta Quest 2.
The
league will offer 52 games in Meta’s flagship metaverse app, Horizon Worlds,
for users. Five of the games will be presented in a more immersive way, using
180-degree monoscopic technology. The user will be able to watch the game as if
sitting close to the court and can change the view as the match proceeds.
The
new technology will provide existing fans of the league with a more interactive
experience and attract new fans familiar with the new technologies in the
sporting arena. Meta director of metaverse media content, Sarah Malkin, said:
"VR’s
superpower is making it possible to immerse yourself in shared experiences with
friends and fans from around the world, and we’re thrilled to bring these
killer features to the NBA Arena and live games."
Avatar Merchandise and More
The
NBA and Meta will also offer the opportunity for fans to purchase NBA-licensed
apparel in Meta’s Avatars Store. The elements will be available across Meta’s
group-owned apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Rob Shaw, Meta's
director of sports media and league partnerships, emphasized the importance of
introducing new technologies to fans. He explained:
"Meta’s
immersive VR technology is opening up new opportunities for sports fans to
engage and interact with their favorite NBA teams. Fans will be able to express
their fandom by donning their favorite team’s gear on Avatars and enjoying more
live NBA games."
The
NBA has been very receptive to using new technologies to expand the reach of
its activities. The company launched NBA Top Shots in 2020, partnering with Dapper
Labs. The NFT video marketplace featuring moments contains some of the league's
most important insights. In September, the league partnered with
Sorare, a fantasy game company, to create an NFT (non-fungible token) game.
What
is your take on the NBA and its broadcasts in the metaverse? Please post your
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