Fans should not expect future NBA games in local markets to replicate big video boards around the courtsNBAE/Getty Images
The ESPN-produced ABC telecast for the NBA Finals is "using 54 camera angles and 66 microphones, of which 30 are mounted under the court to provide additional sound such as sneakers squeaking and rim rattles from the fan-less venue," according to Bill Shea of THE ATHLETIC. Shea noted 75% of the cameras inside the bubble are "remotely operated." NBA Associate VP/Broadcasting Content Management Paul Benedict said, "It's unlike anything we've ever done." Shea: "Expect to see virtual fans and advertising to remain [with] some sort of presence at NBA games as well." But "don't expect future NBA games in local markets to replicate the big video boards wrapping the courts -- that's prime real estate for lucrative courtside seats." LED boards with celebrities, players and fans "may become an element of future NBA games -- particularly if the pandemic remains a problem." Audio has been "another area of exploration during the bubble," as the league's 211 games and scrimmages inside it "have included half with players wearing microphones" (THEATHLETIC.com, 10/2).
ESPN's Malika Andrews has emerged as one of the more interesting people in sports media in '20NBAE/Getty Images
NEXT IN LINE? THE ATHLETIC's Richard Deitsch noted ESPN's Malika Andrews has been inside the NBA bubble in Orlando "since June 29, a prominent face on the network’s NBA coverage over multiple platforms including, the network notes, becoming the youngest person ever at age 25 to be a national rightsholder television sideline reporter for an NBA conference finals." Andrews is thus "one of the more interesting people in the sports media in 2020." Andrews, on part of her experience in the Orlando bubble: "I get asked all the time by folks on Twitter, 'Why are you wearing a mask on television in an empty arena?' Well, two reasons. One, because it’s a league rule that you have to wear a mask when you’re in the arena if you’re not a player, coach or ref. Secondly people say, 'Well, you’re tested every day, why are you still wearing the mask?' Because getting tested doesn’t prevent you from getting coronavirus and there are still folks who come into the bubble who have been exposed to a higher degree than I have" (THEATHLETIC.com, 10/5).
