iTunes hoops it up with NBA Playoffs

In a move that gets its online distribution of video content beyond the realm of GoogleTV the National Basketball Association is now giving Apple iTune users the ability to download full game recaps of every remaining NBA Playoff and Finals game within 24 hours of the game concluding.

The NBA grabbed headlines in early January when it made all of its complete games available for download over the then-newly launched GoogleTV platform. The iTunes service will feature 15 to 20 minute full game recaps but the NBA Finals games will be able to be purchased in their entirety the day after airing on ABC.

“The NBA Playoffs and The Finals showcase the best athletes in the
world competing for the ultimate prize and now fans can catch up and
relive the excitement by downloading every remaining game and series
through iTunes,” said Brenda Spoonemore, Senior Vice President of
Interactive Services, NBA Entertainment. “Tech-savvy NBA fans want more
ways to experience the passion of the NBA and together with our
television partners, we’re happy to make this first ever playoff
download package available.”

ABC, ESPN and TNT Sports join the NBA in the launch of the service. TNT Sports will provide more than 15 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning studio show, Inside the NBA on TNT that will feature exclusive off-camera footage and interaction between Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. Episodes will also include guest appearances by TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Magic Johnson and the host of NBA players and legends who visit the set throughout the Playoffs.

Fans will be able to access the NBA content on iTunes through several download options including a first of its kind “Follow Your Team” package which provides fans to receive automatic downloads of each of their favorite team’s games.

Fans can choose from the following options:

2006 NBA Playoffs: Follow Your Team: Fans who purchase the “Follow You Team” option to one of the league’s eight Conference Semfinal Playoff teams will receive full game recaps of every game the team plays from the Conference Semifinals through The Finals and a season recap video for $8.99.

Inside the NBA on TNT: Fans who purchase this service will receive every episode of Inside the NBA on TNT from the Conference Semifinals through the Conference Finals including exclusive bonus segments for $8.99.

The Finals: Fans who purchase a special Finals package will receive complete game replays of every game of The Finals on ABC for $5.99.

Individual Games or Episodes: Fans can also select any 15 to 20 minute full game recap, complete game replay of The Finals or Inside the NBA on TNT a la carte for $1.99. All will be available on iTunes within 24 hours after games conclude.

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