NBA commissioner Adam Silver has joined ESPN and ESPN2 in announcing the NBA will use virtual races for its basketball coverage.
In a joint statement, the two networks announced their plans to “explore ways for fans to experience their favorite teams and leagues through live-streaming experiences.”
The NBA and its digital partners will “be launching live-video games and apps that will help fans experience and engage with NBA events,” the statement read.
“We’re also committed to bringing the best and brightest of the NBA to the Internet through a wide array of new initiatives, including creating and sharing new experiences across platforms.”
The announcement comes as the NBA has been in a state of flux following the resignation of head coach Billy Donovan.
After being fired on Feb. 13, it remained unclear what caused Donovan’s ouster.
In the wake of the decision, Silver said he was open to discussing new opportunities for the league.
“I have seen firsthand how the NBA is a brand-new business,” Silver said in the statement.
“I believe it is important for us to be a leader in the world of sports content, and I believe it will help us grow and innovate with the content we produce.
I look forward to exploring ways to grow the NBA, and working with our partners and fans to make it a great place to watch sports.”
The partnership between the NBA Network and ESPN was first announced on Tuesday, but ESPN and its partners have not publicly announced a timeline for when the two companies will debut live-viral content.ESPN and ESPN will debut virtual races through ESPN2 on March 16, with a virtual race for the March 30 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, set to air on ESPN.ESPN is also adding live streaming rights to the NBA All-Star game on Feb, 3, 2019.