The NBA has become the first linear sports league network to launch a direct-to-consumer subscription offering.
The new OTT platform will be jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports and will be available directly to consumers from the NBA.
The app will include more than 100 exclusive live NBA games, original programming and an extensive list of on-demand video content with advanced viewing options via mobile devices, connected devices, gaming consoles, tablets and web browsers, all for $6.99 per month or $59.99 annually.
Tina Shah, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Turner Sports commented: “Innovation has always been at the core of our NBA Digital partnership and the launch of this direct to consumer product, paired with new content initiatives, will provide NBA fans even greater opportunities to engage with NBA TV and our collective portfolio of brands.
“As sports consumption continues to evolve, we will continue to develop new opportunities for fans to access and engage with premium NBA content.”
The NBA TV offering will also continue to be available on an authenticated basis for fans who get NBA TV from a pay TV provider.
Continuing to elevate engagement NBA Digital recently debuted “Center Court,” which features a series of 20 live NBA games with enhanced viewing options throughout the 2019-20 season.
NBA TV will also experiment with next-generation game viewing enhancements, including new camera angles, with footage captured exclusively on smartphones; live on-screen group chats with celebrity influencers; in-depth analytics and statistical graphics; and social media integration.
Alternative streaming options for “Center Court” games are accessible through the NBA App and NBA.com for all fans who get NBA TV from a pay TV provider or with an NBA TV direct-to-consumer subscription. Those options include: “Backcourt” streams featuring Second Spectrum technology, with statistical overlays on the game feed, and “Frontcourt” streams incorporating alternative audio options with rotating groups of NBA influencers.
Chris Benyarko, NBA Senior Vice President, Direct to Consumer added: “NBA TV is the ultimate destination for around-the-clock access to premium NBA games and programming. We are thrilled to offer more ways than ever to access NBA TV and provide a preview of the future live game viewing experience.”
Insider Insight: This launch marks the continued evolution of sports broadcasting as digital and OTT platforms. The NBA is once again affirming its status as an innovator in terms of increasing engagement.
