The NBA and NextVR aimed to integrate one of the newest methods of experiential marketing into some of the season’s best match-ups.
The league will live-stream one selected game each week in efforts to innovate viewer’s experience. Those fully subscribed to NBA’s “League Pass”, a live-game package, can experience the Virtual Reality at no additional cost to their subscription… if they have the right equipment.
For the time being, viewers will need a Samsung Gear VR Headset and a compatible Samsung phone – however, the League plans to introduce the VR experience on other platforms throughout the season. The hope is that with the developing technology, the NBA can increase the amount of individuals who can experience a “courtside seat” (or, in this case, the closest thing to it). Each game, NextVR will set up multiple cameras courtside as well as below both of the baskets. But the view doesn’t stop where the game takes place. In addition, there will be replays, graphics, as well as Virtual Reality announcers for the feed. If you look away from the game, you can see “in the stands”, where there is a 3D presentation of the game’s statistics as well as other information about what’s happening.
So, if you’re a full-subscriber to League Pass: get your goggles on. It’s time to watch some basketball like you never have before.