Meta has strengthened its partnership with the premier American basketball competition, the NBA, through a multi-year partnership extension that will feature immersive courtside VR experiences for fans and more.
Through its flagship VR headset, the Meta Quest, fans will have access to 52 live NBA League Pass games.
What’s even better, this will include five immersive 180-degree monoscopic live VR games in 2880 resolution at the ‘NBA Arena’ in Meta Horizon Worlds.
This means that you can get a courtside experience of a live NBA game sitting on your couch plugged into a Meta Quest headset - which is the official VR headset of the NBA.
Furthermore, the partnership extension will also include the launch of NBA-licensed apparel in the ‘Meta Avatars’ store and authenticated NBA league sass access in Xtadium, a VR sports hub app that offers shared watching experiences in high-definition.
Grab a front row seat to live @NBA games — right from your couch on @MetaQuestVR.We’re adding 50+ upcoming games in #VR, along with more from the @WNBA, @nbagleague and @NBA2KLeague.
Ready for tip-off ?????https://t.co/zU4qVlq90z
— Meta (@Meta) January 23, 2023
New opportunities for fans
Meta director of sports media and league partnerships Rob Shaw said: Meta’s immersive VR technology is opening up new opportunities for sports fans to engage and interact with their favourite NBA teams.
“Fans will be able to express their fandom by donning their favourite team’s gear on Avatars and enjoy more live NBA games and experience NBA League Pass in a much more social and immersive way.”
Closer to sports action
The five 180-degree VR games will also feature celebrity broadcasters with WNBA games, NBA G League games and NBA 2K League games available to watch as well.
In Meta Horizon Worlds, you’ll also be able to access game highlights, recaps and archival content.
Meanwhile, XTADIUM gets you closer to sports action than ever before with high-quality video and the ability to host watch parties with friends.
“Our extended partnership with Meta will provide more immersive and innovative ways to experience the NBA,” said NBA executive vice president and head of content partnerships Jennifer Chun.
“Meta’s digital world opens up exciting possibilities for NBA fans to virtually attend our games and to interact with other fans around the world,” she said.