With the NBA Finals now set between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, ESPN has launched a new alternative viewing experience for its app, which debuted during selected games of the NBA postseason coverage.
ESPN’s Branded Full Court Press, with Second Spectrum, allows viewers to watch various isolated broadcasts of the game on the ESPN app and on ESPN3. The options also include a Coach Mode, which is “a heavy X’s and O’s analytical presentation of the game, featuring on-court diagrams of the live action”.
There is also a Player Mode that offers “above-the-rim cameras and graphics displaying the scoring probability of all five offensive players on the court throughout each possession, changing in real time” and a Mascot Mode that features “a fun, entertaining presentation featuring special graphics treatments, including a fire graphic on the basket when a team goes on a scoring run, a 3D on-screen brick if a player misses badly, and more.”
Stephanie Druley, EVP, Event and Studio Production at ESPN, says: “We’re excited to present a completely distinct and innovative way to watch a highly anticipated NBA game to fans. There are several ways to tell the story of a basketball game, and through this collaboration with Second Spectrum and the great work of our production team, we can offer new ways to reach all NBA fans.”
The Disney-owned sports network will be launching its alternative viewing experience, in conjunction with sports data intelligence company Second Spectrum, which is introducing augmented reality (AR) focused content to ESPN and ABC’s NBA Playoff coverage and has created continuous on-court graphics titled “ESPN Mode”, which is being added to the long list of ESPN digital offerings.
The new features debuted during three of the NBA’s Western Conference Finals games between the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. The platform integrates in-game stats with ball movement diagrams as well as player identifications that intertwine with continuously updated stats throughout the broadcast.
Second Spectrum is the company behind the Los Angeles Clippers CourtVision, technology which allows fans, during the broadcast of a game, to choose between three different streams and combine it with AR graphics for a completely different viewing experience.
As fans’ expectations for their viewing experience evolve, companies like Second Spectrum have a leg up in the development of graphics for content providers, like augmented reality and other additions become more commonplace to the broadcast experience. While Second Spectrum is officially partnered with the Clippers, it is likely that many more teams and broadcast networks will utilize this technology in the near future.
