Live NBA games are coming to virtual reality. Over 50 NBA games will be available in VR live in XTADIUM and Meta Horizon Worlds via Meta Quest headsets. Basketball fans can watch NBA, WNBA, G League and 2K League games on the previously mentioned VR platforms.
“Today, we’re expanding our partnership with the NBA and WNBA as the league’s official VR headset, bringing the excitement of professional basketball in VR to a new level,” says Meta. A handful of these experiences have already taken place, with more games available in VR through early April.
Considering how dedicated many sports fans are, it seems likely that experiencing games in VR will be a big draw. NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal hosted a VR New Year’s event that Meta put together. The event, which was live on December 31, 2022, may have been a way for Meta to test how basketball fans would react to VR content.
Upcoming VR NBA Games
Five of the VR games will feature 180-degree VR, offering an even more immersive experience. These games will also feature famous broadcasters. Beyond simply viewing the games, fans will be able to view recaps and game highlights along with archival content in Meta Horizon Worlds. Listed below are a few of the upcoming games that will be available in VR:
- On January 31, the Miami Heat vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers at 4:00 pm PT
- On February 1, the Golden State Warriors vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves at 5:00 pm PT
- On February 2, the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Indiana Pacers at 4:00 pm PT
- On February 4, the LA Clippers vs. the New York Knicks at 4:00 pm PT
- On February 7, the Phoenix Suns vs. the Brooklyn Nets at 4:30 pm PT
- On February 8, the Golden State Warriors vs. the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:00 pm PT
Additionally, Meta is partnering with the NBA and WNBA to offer official team apparel for metaverse avatars within the Meta Avatar Sore. XTADIUAM allows fans to host watch parties and compete in mini-games. At a later date, the platform will offer more content through an NBA League Pass subscription. Currently, XTADIUM is only available in the U.S.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
