The NBA and virtual reality outfit NextVR, as part of their multiyear deal, have set a 27-game schedule to produce live games in the enhanced format during the ’17-18 season. The first such game will be Mavericks-Rockets on Oct. 21 and continue on an irregular schedule averaging about one game per week. The effort extends last year’s move to have regular games in VR, complete with announcers and pre- and post-game analysis. This year’s games will add several new production enhancements including stats, live infographics, volumetric telestration, and user-chosen viewing angles. NextVR CEO David Cole described the graphics as “floating like holograms within the field of play.” “We are continuing to advance the realism and fidelity of our NBA broadcasts and these new features will deliver the most immersive live basketball experience to date,” Cole said. In addition to those fully produced VR games, NextVR will also add a lighter VR effort called the NextVR Screening Room in which any NBA League Pass game can be seen on a virtual theatre-sized screen. The games will again be part of the NBA League Pass package, which costs $199.99 for the full-season package and is managed by the NBA Digital partnership between the league and Turner Sports. Seven of the 27 dates for full VR productions will be during NBA League Pass free preview windows.
