NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Intel today announced a multiyear technology partnership making Intel an authorized provider of virtual reality with Intel® True VR technology and 360-degree volumetric video with Intel® freeD^TM technology for official NBA broadcast partners globally.

As a part of this partnership, Intel will deliver live VR content for marquee NBA on TNT matchups beginning with NBA All-Star 2018 in Los Angeles.  The NBA and Intel will also work together to produce 360-degree volumetric video and will explore other potential collaborations to enhance the creation and delivery of NBA content.

“We are thrilled to partner with Intel to provide virtual reality and 360-degree video content to our fans around the world,” said Jeff Marsilio, NBA vice president, Global Media Distribution. “We are committed to bringing the most innovative and immersive experiences possible to our fans.”

Working with Intel, the NBA will make 360-degree volumetric video available to global league broadcast partners, which collectively deliver games in 215 countries and territories.  In the future, Intel plans to integrate Intel freeD technology into the virtual reality experience to enable fans to freeze a moment of game action and view it from the player’s point of view as if they were on the court.  The technology can also be incorporated into game broadcasts allowing commentators to pause key moments in the game and view the action in 3D from any angle.

“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, vice president 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.”

Beginning with NBA All-Star 2018, every virtual reality game experience will be available through the forthcoming NBA on TNT VR app on Samsung GearVR and Google Daydream headsets for download via the Oculus and Google Play stores.