The National Basketball Association (NBA) is making a big push for fans to experience games in a whole new way: virtual reality (VR). The league has partnered with VR streaming platform NextVR to provide immersive 360-degree views of games.
Fans with compatible VR headsets can feel like they're sitting courtside, with a perspective that changes as the action moves up and down the court. The VR experience also includes live statistics and commentary, as well as the ability to switch between multiple camera angles.
The NBA is no stranger to experimenting with new technology to enhance the fan experience. In recent years, they have introduced features like player tracking data and augmented reality experiences within the official NBA app.
The NBA's push towards VR is part of a broader trend in sports and entertainment, with organizations looking to leverage new technology to engage fans in new ways. VR offers the possibility of a fully immersive experience that allows fans to feel like they are actually at the game, rather than just watching from a screen.
While VR is still a relatively niche technology, the NBA's investment in it suggests that it sees potential for growth in the future. As VR technology becomes more accessible and affordable, it's likely that more and more fans will be able to experience games in this way.