NBA and Genius Sports/Second Spectrum expand partnership to deepen NBA League Pass innovations with enhanced basketball analytics and develop new next gen platform
NEW YORK and LONDON – Second Spectrum, a Genius Sports Limited company (“Genius Sports” or “the Company”) (NYSE:GENI), and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a multi-year partnership expansion naming Second Spectrum an Official NBA League Pass Augmentation Provider and an Official NBA Team Basketball Analytics Provider. The league and Second Spectrum will also work together to research and develop “Dragon”, a next-generation technology platform that will track “mesh” data, which aims to synthesize millions of on-court basketball data points.
The NBA will use Second Spectrum augmentation technology to create automated, enhanced graphics based on optical on-court basketball data for alternate telecasts available on NBA League Pass. The alternate telecasts will feature advanced team and player statistical insights integrated directly into the stream, enriching the experience and providing viewing optionality for analytics-focused fans.
Additionally, all official NBA tracking data will continue to be integrated into Genius’ world-leading basketball insights and analytics engine. Genius will also continue to provide its services to all 30 NBA teams who rely on Second Spectrum’s precise machine learning for key basketball insights and decision-making.
“As one of the most technologically advanced leagues in world sport, NBA teams, fans, broadcasters and media partners demand cutting-edge innovations,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “We’re thrilled to expand our long-term partnership with the NBA. We are proud that the NBA shares our vision that Dragon can solve the technology challenges of the future. ”
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2022-23 season feature 120 international players from 40 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.
About Genius Sports
Genius Sports is the official data, technology and broadcast partner that powers the global ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media. Our technology is used in over 150 countries worldwide, creating highly immersive products that enrich fan experiences for the entire sports industry.
We are the trusted partner to over 400 sports organizations, including many of the world’s largest leagues and federations such as the NFL, EPL, FIBA, NCAA, NASCAR, AFA and Liga MX.
Genius Sports is uniquely positioned through cutting-edge technology, scale and global reach to support our partners. Our innovative use of big data, computer vision, machine learning, and augmented reality, connects the entire sports ecosystem from the rights holder all the way through to the fan.