The NBA will reportedly join Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset for a massive collaboration for sports matches, media reports have revealed.
The Apple Vision Pro has made headlines across the media after the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) in early June. The device is expected to launch in early next year.
Following the big reveal, Adam Silver, Commissioner, National Basketball Association (NBA), announced his organisation will work with the Cupertino-based firm. According to the New York Post, the collaborative effort aims to integrate one of several massive entertainment platforms for the premium mixed reality (MR) device.
At the annual “Summer Camp for Billionaires,” the New York Post and Allen & Co revealed the news. In the report, it noted that Silver may leverage the Vision Pro to recreate courtside viewing experiences virtually.
At the gathering, Tim Cook, Chief Executive, Apple, David Zaslav, CEO, WarnerBros Discovery, and Bob Iger, CEO, Disney attended the second day of events.
Global media reported on the Allen & Co annual summit in Sun Valley, Idaho, which invited some of the biggest names in media and big tech. The elusive event is not normally open to the media.
Currently, writers and producers have gone on strike amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT. Concerns over the use of AI to develop screenplays, content, and even images and video have triggered many of the grievances professionals have raised in recent months.
Comments on Apple-NBA Collaboration
When asked about his company’s plans, Silver said as quoted by the Post: “We’re working very closely with Apple.” Despite declining to discuss details due to sensitive information, Silver noted that he had held many conducive talks.
He continued: “Just in a general way, I’ve been having lots of conversations with media companies and tech companies. It seems like the interest in premium live sports remains incredibly strong.”
The NBA chief added,
“I think they’re looking at ways that they can find new opportunities to distribute these sports rights in broader ways than they’ve previously and in unique and different ways, particularly around the personalization and customization that can come with a lot of the advanced technology”
He concluded: “We have two years left on our existing television deals and we’re hugely happy with Disney and WarnerBros. Discovery. They’re going to be carrying these games and we’ll go from there.”
The news comes after Apple reportedly inked a deal with six media partners, including Disney, for its upcoming headset. In a collaborative effort to promote virtual content streaming, Disney joined the collective. This consists of numerous media firms dedicating time and resources to Apple’s TV+ service.
The Metaverse as the Next Sports Arena
Apple’s goal of streaming major platforms like Disney will help expedite the adoption rates of Apple’s headset and provide first-rate user experiences. However, more details may reveal down the road as the device edges closer to its launch date of next year.
Sports associations like the National Hockey League (NHL) have also teamed up with Roblox and others to recreate sports broadcasts.
Other immersive firms have leveraged their technologies to boost engagement rates with audiences. Recently, Jugo and football legends Arsenal struck a major deal on immersive collaboration for audiences. This allows fans to interact with their favourite stars, access exclusive content, and buy and sell real-time 3D (RT3D) assets.
An XR Future for Apple?
News of the collaboration between the NBA and Apple Vision Pro comes amid a wave of similar partnerships in recent months.
Speaking to XR Today in an industry round table, analysts predict that the headset will lead to a resurgence in storytelling ideas for content creators. Apple’s partnerships with major companies like Microsoft, Unity, and others are also set to offer headset users greater access to immersive tools.
Meta Platforms has also struck several partnerships with companies like Zoom, Microsoft, and Roblox, leading to increased competition for metaverse market shares.
This comes after Disney debuted its first-ever AR film for audiences in September last year.
Due to the advancements in technology, creatives are expected to expand broadcasts of current events using the device. This will provide audiences with a host of new methodologies to access and enjoy broadcast content.
