Yahoo Sports and the NBA have teamed — virtually.
The two entities have partnered, along with RYOT, a virtual-reality production company, so fans can watch 13 seeding games, played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. (ESPN is owned by Disney.)
The at-home experience is enhanced via Oculus devices. More than a dozen live NBA League Pass games will be distributed in VR via Oculus Venues on Oculus Quest and Oculus Go headsets beginning July 31 through August 14.
“As the NBA Restart tips off this week, our expanded relationship with Yahoo Sports will offer a variety of unique ways for fans to engage with the NBA,” said Bill Koenig, NBA president, global content and media distribution. “With everything from fantasy games, sports betting integrations, gaming-focused content and NBA games in VR, there will be no shortage of opportunities to get closer to the game.”
Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Fantasy and Yahoo Sportsbook will deliver expanded NBA content across its platforms.
Two shows focused on fantasy and betting will coincide with the NBA Conference Finals and NBA Finals.
“Working with the NBA to redefine the fan’s experience of the game has amazing implications for the future of sports and entertainment,” Verizon Media CEO Guru Gowrappan added.
The VR games, all ET times, include:
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July 31: Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards, 4 p.m.
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Aug. 1: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m.
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Aug. 2: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 4 p.m.
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Aug. 2: Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns, 9 p.m.
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Aug. 3: San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 8 p.m.
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Aug. 4: Orlando Magic vs. Indiana pacers, 6 p.m.
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Aug. 5: Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs, 4 p.m.
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Aug. 7: Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 8 p.m.
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Aug. 9: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors, 2 p.m.
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Aug. 10: Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, 8 p.m.
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Aug. 11: Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 4:30 p.m.
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Aug. 11: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards, 9 p.m.
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Aug. 12: Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m.