Turner Sports Aligns with Intel to Bring VR to NBA Fans

Turner Sports and Intel have entered into a multiyear partnership to make live NBA game action available in virtual reality using Intel True VR technology.

Intel becomes the exclusive provider of VR for the NBA on TNT and will deliver live content for marquee matchups beginning with NBA All-Star 2018 in Los Angeles. Additionally, Intel is partnering with the NBA to become an authorized provider of virtual reality and 360-degree volumetric video with Intel freeD technology for official NBA broadcast partners globally.

Using Intel True VR technology, viewers of the NBA on TNT games can be transported courtside to sit knee-to-knee with celebrities or up in the stands for a bird’s-eye view.

“Intel is working with leagues and sports organizations all over the world to develop and deliver the most cutting-edge immersive media experiences that will make sports more engaging for the next generation of fans,” said James Carwana, the VP and general manager of Intel Sports. “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.”

“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,” said Will Funk, the executive VP of property marketing and corporate partnerships for Turner Sports. “We look forward to bringing this partnership to life through our broadcasts, as well as telling the story behind the power of Intel’s True VR technology in other unique, unexpected ways.”

“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’s VP of global media distribution. “We are committed to bringing the most innovative and immersive experiences possible for our fans.”