Home Columns LATEST: Extended Reality may be the NBA’s next big thing

LATEST: Extended Reality may be the NBA’s next big thing

May 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) during the game in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For years, NBA fans have been able to optimize their home-viewing experience through use of virtual reality (VR), making it feel as if they’re courtside rather than in their living rooms. The NextVR app offers an NBA League Pass, granting fans access to weekly live games and highlights in an immersive VR experience. However, virtual reality is quickly becoming a thing of the past as extended reality (XR) takes the forefront.

With COVID-19 forcing us inside more than usual, Americans aged 18-24 prefer to take part in activities and high tech amenities at home. The difference between extended and virtual reality experiences are the amount of human-to-machine interaction. Extended reality blends real and virtual worlds to create complex environments where physical and digital elements can interact in real time. 

Recently, the NBA signed a content partnership with Australian technology company Unbnd, which will see extended reality broadcasts distributed to NBA TV subscribers in Australia and Singapore on a new platform called Missing in Action (MIA). It’s still undetermined when this technology will reach the United States. The chief executive of Unbnd says, “We know MIA will really appeal to fans and open doors for brands looking to attract and retain consumer attention. As a big fan of the game, this partnership with the NBA is a huge deal for me on a personal and professional level, and we’re excited to take fans from being spectators to actively engaging with the content in a meaningful, relevant, and exciting way.”

Still, extended reality technology is extremely new – leaving many confused on how it performs. Check out the infographic below for more insights on extended reality sports.

Photo: https://www.sportstacular.co/infographic

Written by Demetrius Harrison

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