NBA, Apple have ‘Vision’ for how to watch games in the future
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed on Thursday that the league is collaborating with Apple to bring a tech-enhanced viewing experience to its highly anticipated Vision Pro virtual reality headset. In an exclusive chat with The Post at Allen & Co.’s annual “summer camp for billionaires,” Silver hinted at the possibility of incorporating fast breaks and slam dunks into a reimagined courtside experience on the VR device. The Vision Pro headset is set to be released in early 2024.
Silver’s presence at the event, along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and MLB’s Rob Manfred, reflects the high demand for sports content in the current media industry. As TV ratings for live sports remain strong amidst a challenging time for the media industry, tech and media firms are actively seeking sports deals to attract viewers and counter the decline in ad revenue faced by traditional TV networks like ESPN. Companies such as Apple, Disney, WarnerBros. Discovery, and many others are eager to explore opportunities to distribute sports rights in new and innovative ways, capitalizing on the personalization and customization aspects that advanced technology can offer.
While Silver refrained from disclosing specifics about his meetings at the event, he emphasized the strong interest that media and tech companies have shown in premium live sports. The NBA currently has a $24 billion media rights deal with Disney-owned ESPN and ABC, as well as WarnerBros. Discovery-owned Turner Sports, which is set to run until the end of the 2024-25 season. However, the inclusion of VR-enhanced sports content in Apple’s recent launch event for the Vision Pro headset suggests new avenues for distributing sports content.
Silver acknowledged the remaining two years on the NBA’s existing television deals with Disney and WarnerBros. Discovery, expressing satisfaction with the partnership. He conveyed his optimism about the future and expressed eagerness to explore the possibilities that advanced technology can bring to the sports viewing experience.
FAQs:
1. What is the NBA working on with Apple?
The NBA is working with Apple to bring a tech-enhanced viewing experience to its Vision Pro virtual reality headset. The collaboration aims to reimagine the courtside experience, potentially incorporating elements like fast breaks and slam dunks.
2. When is the Vision Pro virtual reality headset expected to be released?
The Vision Pro virtual reality headset is scheduled for release in early 2024.
3. Why are tech and media firms interested in sports deals?
Tech and media firms are interested in sports deals as a means to attract viewers’ attention and counter the decline in ad revenue faced by traditional TV networks. Live sports content has maintained strong TV ratings, making it an appealing investment for companies in the industry.
4. What possibilities does advanced technology offer for sports viewing?
Advanced technology, such as virtual reality, can offer personalized and customized viewing experiences. This could potentially allow fans to feel as though they are sitting courtside during an NBA game, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
5. What is the NBA’s current media rights deal?
The NBA currently has a $24 billion media rights deal with Disney-owned ESPN and ABC, as well as WarnerBros. Discovery-owned Turner Sports. This deal is set to run until the end of the 2024-25 season.
NBA and Apple Collaborate on Future Game-Watching Vision
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed on Thursday that the league is collaborating with Apple to bring an immersive viewing experience to its highly anticipated Vision Pro virtual reality headset, which is set to be released in early 2024. Speaking exclusively to The Post at Allen & Co.’s annual gathering of billionaires, Silver hinted that fans may soon have the opportunity to witness fast breaks and slam dunks from a reimagined courtside perspective on Apple’s cutting-edge device. “We’re working very closely with Apple,” Silver confirmed when questioned about the NBA’s plans for the Vision Pro.
As previously reported, Silver, alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and MLB’s Rob Manfred, has been in high demand at Sun Valley. This is due to the ongoing strength of live sports TV ratings, which stand out amidst the challenges faced by the media industry. Tech and media companies are eagerly seeking sports partnerships to capture viewers’ attention, especially as traditional TV networks like ESPN grapple with declining ad revenue and mounting competition from streaming services.
During the conference’s second day, prominent figures from the tech and media sectors, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, WarnerBros. Discovery chief David Zaslav, and Apple CEO Tim Cook, were observed leaving a series of morning meetings. Silver refrained from divulging any specific details about his own discussions, adhering to Allen & Co.’s off-the-record rule for behind-the-scenes exchanges at the event. “Just in a general way, I’ve been having lots of conversations with media companies and tech companies,” Silver disclosed. “It seems like the interest in premium live sports remains incredibly strong.”
According to Silver, these companies are exploring innovative avenues to distribute sports rights more extensively and diversely than before, particularly in terms of personalization and customization made possible by advanced technology. However, Silver made no mention of any potential changes to the NBA’s current $24 billion media rights deal, which includes ESPN, ABC (both Disney-owned), and Turner Sports (owned by WarnerBros. Discovery) and is set to run until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The introduction of VR-enhanced sports content was prominently featured during Apple’s product unveiling event for their $3,499 Vision Pro headset in June. At the time, Iger emphasized how fans would be able to experience an NBA game as if they were physically sitting courtside. “We have two years left on our existing television deals and we’re hugely happy with Disney and WarnerBros. Discovery,” Silver stated. “They’re going to be carrying these games, and we’ll go from there.”