Intel has entered into a partnership with Turner Sports to allow NBA fans to watch games on TNT in a new and exciting way. Beginning with the 2018 NBA All-Star game, fans will be able to watch games in virtual reality.

Intel True VR cameras will capture and broadcast live footage from the game from multiple angles to allow fans to view the game from different parts of the arena. Using VR, fans will be able to experience what it is like to see the game from court side seats. Fans will also be able to freeze the live game and see it from the player’s point of view.

“In addition to allowing fans to choose their own viewing experience, Intel will be able to use its freeD technology to integrate 360-degree volumetric video into the VR experience. This will let fans freeze a moment of game action and view it from the player’s point of view as if they were on the court.”

The technology will be implemented globally, allowing fans in 215 countries to experience the game in VR.

“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-degree content from the NBA on TNT games available,” said Jeff Marsilio, NBA vice president, Global Media Distribution. “We are committed to bringing the most innovative and immersive experiences possible for our fans.”

NBA VR will be available through the TNT VR app on Samsung GearVR and Google Daydream headsets.

NBA fans all over the world will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to experience a live game in an arena who ordinarily are not able to attend games. Is this the future of live sports? Will less people buy tickets for sporting events if they can experience it through VR?

 

Source: http://www.nba.com/article/2017/11/07/new-partnership-brings-virtual-reality-nba-tnt#/