TNT Sports and immersive technology and entertainment company Cosm have partnered in a new multi-year “first-of-its-kind” deal.
The deal sees Cosm produce and present select live premium sports programming on TNT Sports, with the UK broadcaster becoming the first to present live sports through shared reality – an experience which bridges physical and virtual worlds through 87-foot LED domes.
Cosm will integrate its 8K technology throughout the TNT Sports calendar for select NBA regular season and playoff games, Stanley Cup playoff matches and US men’s and women’s national soccer matches.
“We have always been at the leading edge of creating experiences, centred on innovation, that truly elevate how sports fans are able to engage with our premium content in exciting ways,” said Raphael Poplock, SVP of Acquisitions, Business Development and Partnerships at TNT Sports.
“Partnering with Cosm further advances that mission, offering a level of immersion within our thrilling NBA, NHL and US Soccer action like never before. We look forward to collaborating and bringing the possibilities of shared reality within sports to life next year.”
Cosm’s deal with TNT Sports is the latest partnership the company has secured over the last year in its attempts to bring an immersive fan experience to the world of sports.
The NBA is working with the technology firm, integrating its shared reality function to create “stadium-like” atmospheres by generating the energy of the crowd.
Furthermore, the UFC also has a partnership in place with Cosm, installing the 8K shared virtual experience to pay-per-view events to provide a visual outlook on fights that makes them feel as if they are in the octagon themselves.
Jeb Terry, CEO and President at Cosm, added: “This partnership is transformative, not just for Cosm but for the live sports and entertainment industry at large.
“We are thrilled to team with TNT Sports to bring award-winning live coverage of the NBA, NHL, and US national soccer teams to fans in a new way — by giving them the best seats in the house, every time. Cosm enables the best of at-home and in-venue, delivering the ultimate fan experience.
“It is a privilege to work with great partners like TNT Sports who also share an innovative spirit and commitment to the fan experience.”