NBA to offer virtual reality games in upcoming season
Soon, NBA fans from all over the world will be able to experience a game courtside from the comfort of their own homes.
The NBA is set to announce a multiyear partnership with virtual reality company NextVR to become the first professional sports league to offer games in VR.
Any League Pass subscriber who owns the necessary equipment will be able to watch at least one virtual reality game per week. By season's end, every team in the league will have at least one game aired in virtual reality.
Camera angles, replays, and commentators will be exclusive to the VR telecast.
"We’ve got fans all over the world," Jeff Marsilio, the NBA’s vice president of global media distribution, told Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports. "We broadcast our games in over 210 countries now, and these are passionate fans. But for most of them, they’re not able - for logistical reasons - to attend a game in person, let alone sit courtside."
For now, fans will be required to purchase a Samsung Gear VR headset and smartphone to view the games, but the NBA is working to make more platforms compatible during the upcoming season.
The first VR game takes place Oct. 27, when the Sacramento Kings host the San Antonio Spurs.