Basketball fans that own an Apple Vision Pro headset will be able to watch NBA games live and in the Apple Immersive Video format starting on Friday, January 9, Apple announced today.
Apple and Spectrum are partnering to stream Los Angeles Lakers games in 3D in the Spectrum SportsNet and NBA apps. The Apple Immersive basketball games will be available to Vision Pro users in the Lakers’ regional broadcast territory — Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of southern Nevada, including Las Vegas — and viewers will need either Spectrum internet or a provider that offers a package that includes Spectrum SportsNet.
Meanwhile, Apple Vision Pro users in other areas of the United States and select international markets where the Vision Pro is available (Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan will not have access). will be able to enjoy Apple Immersive replays and highlights. The first game replay will be available on Sunday, January 11. A free NBA ID is required.
Apple Immersive places Apple Vision Pro users at the center of live events and stories as they unfold. Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive is directed and produced for Vision Pro with a feed of up to 150 Mbps and seven unique viewing angles: the scorer’s table, the area beneath each basket, a high-and-wide view of the arena, the player tunnel, the broadcast booth, and a roaming courtside perspective for interviews and commentary. The broadcast team features Emmy Award-winning play-by-play commentator Mark Rogondino and three-time NBA champion and former Lakers forward Danny Green as an analyst.
Spectrum Front Row in Apple Immersive brings viewers closer to each pass, shot, and block. In-game graphics like lower thirds, player rosters, the game and shot clocks, and scores appear in 3D, as if they’re floating directly in front of the viewer. Ambisonic microphones capture Spatial Audio of the arena, so viewers hear the crisp squeaks of sneakers driving up and down the court, the swish of the net when a player drains a three-pointer, and the roar of the crowd during intense moments of gameplay. During timeouts, halftimes, and other breaks in the action, the broadcast remains live inside the arena, showcasing pregame introductions, team huddles, and even in-arena entertainment.
Apple Immersive Lakers games will air on January 9, February 5, February 20, March 5, March 10, and March 30. Times are as follows:
Friday, January 9
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7:30 p.m. PT
Thursday, February 5
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 p.m. PT
Friday, February 20
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 p.m. PT
Thursday, March 5
Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets
Ball Arena
7 p.m. PT
Tuesday, March 10
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
8 p.m. PT
Monday, March 30
Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena
7 p.m. PT
For more information, read the press release here.
