NBA goes VR through Turner and Intel partnership

Turner Sports and Intel have agreed a multi-year partnership to make live NBA basketball available in virtual reality using Intel True VR technology.

Starting with the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, Intel will allow fans to experience the action from different immersive angles with the forthcoming NBA on TNT VR app.

Intel True VR cameras will be used to capture live game footage that will let fans view the game from different points in the arena, including courtside, the view on the baseline, and a birds-eye perspective.

Intel is also partnering with the NBA to become an authorised provider of virtual reality and 360° volumetric video for official NBA broadcast partners globally.

“This is an exciting time to be a basketball fan, and we are thrilled to be working with Intel and Turner Sports to make virtual reality and 360° content from the NBA on TNT games available,” said Jeff Marsilio, NBA vice president, global media distribution.

Will Funk, executive vice president of property marketing and corporate partnerships for Turner Sport said: “Turner Sports and Turner Ignite Sports have been at the forefront of delivering thrilling new experiences to fans. This unprecedented partnership, with Turner Sports as the first NBA broadcast partner to offer the latest Intel VR technology, does just that.”

James Carwana, vice president and general manager of Intel Sports added: “This unique partnership with the NBA will enable us to work with official league broadcasters, including Turner Sports, to take their broadcasts to an unprecedented level and create new ways to immerse viewers in the game.”

The NBA on TNT VR app will be available on Samsung GearVR and Google Daydream headsets for download via the Oculus and Google Play stores.