Speculations are rife that the National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering a partnership with Apple’s Vision Pro, a new mixed reality headset for sports livestreaming. This information has been making waves since the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) held in June. The Vision Pro is set to make its official debut next year.
The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, revealed that talks were underway between the NBA and the tech giant. As reported by the New York Post, the envisioned collaboration aims to incorporate the Vision Pro into a variety of sizable entertainment platforms. During the annual “Summer Camp for Billionaires,” sources disclosed that Silver might utilize the Vision Pro to digitally replicate the courtside viewing experience.
Some of the biggest names in media and tech, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, WarnerBros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and Disney CEO Bob Iger, attended the event held in Sun Valley, Idaho. Although typically closed to the media, reports about the summit were widespread.
In related news, content creators and producers have expressed concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT. Fears about AI’s potential to create scripts, content, and even visuals have prompted recent protests within the professional community.
When asked about the NBA’s plans, Silver admitted to maintaining a close working relationship with Apple. While he was reticent about divulging details due to the sensitive nature of the information, Silver acknowledged having fruitful discussions with various media and tech companies. He highlighted the enduring interest in premium live sports and potential new opportunities for broader and more unique distribution of sports rights, particularly through the personalization and customization offered by advanced technology.
Silver added that although there are two years left on their current television deals with Disney and WarnerBros Discovery, discussions about future broadcasting options are ongoing. Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly secured agreements with six major media partners, including Disney, to promote virtual content streaming for its upcoming headset.
In addition to sports associations, other companies are recognizing the potential of immersive technology to enhance audience engagement. For instance, the National Hockey League (NHL) has collaborated with metaverse platforms like Roblox to recreate sports broadcasts. Furthermore, immersive football collaboration between Jugo and Arsenal allows fans to interact with their favorite stars, access exclusive content, and trade real-time 3D (RT3D) assets.
As the Vision Pro’s launch draws nearer, industry analysts forecast a revival of creative storytelling ideas. Apple’s alliances with Microsoft, Unity, and other major companies are expected to provide users with a wealth of immersive tools. Meta Platforms has also formed partnerships with Zoom, Microsoft, and Roblox, which has escalated competition for a share of the metaverse market.
The proliferation of technology is enabling creatives to broaden the broadcasting of events using the Vision Pro. This offers audiences a range of innovative ways to access and enjoy content. As a result, Apple’s dive into the XR market is heralding exciting times ahead.