New Verizon-NBA Streaming Deal Covers League Pass Subscriptions, AR and VR Development

Verizon and the NBA have inked a multi-year deal that will allow U.S. fans to purchase and live-stream out-of-market games via NBA League Pass on Yahoo Sports and other Verizon media platforms. As part of the partnership, the two will also leverage Verizon’s 5G network and technology to deliver premium NBA content, including augmented-reality and virtual-reality experiences, beginning at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles next month. The deal also includes new fantasy-basketball elements, access to highlights and archive footage, and a new daily NBA-focused show exclusively on Yahoo platforms. 

Fans will now have access to purchase the NBA League Pass service (co-managed by the NBA and Turner Sports) at a cost of $99 per season on Yahoo Sports and other Verizon media platforms. In addition, Verizon’s It’s On Us program will include eight NBA League Pass games at no cost, enabling registered users to preview the League Pass subscription offering.

NBA content will also be available to fans on any wireless carrier later this season via Oath’s Yahoo Sports. The new agreement further boosts Verizon’s mobile-streaming portfolio, coming on the heels of Verizon’s recent deal for the mobile rights to live NFL games.

In addition, the NBA and Verizon will work together on enhanced global Yahoo Fantasy experiences, including a new, simplified Official NBA Fantasy format, flexible entry for fans to start their fantasy season at any time, and customized fantasy highlight packages.

In terms of original programming, a new daily show highlighting NBA action, storylines, and commentary will be available exclusively on Yahoo Sports and across Verizon’s media platforms. Yahoo Sports and Verizon’s media platforms will also feature original sports and lifestyle programming using the league’s vast archive of NBA footage.

“Verizon is uniquely positioned to partner with the NBA in a first of-its-kind technology and content partnership that will serve the NBA’s dynamic fan base with more live action, fantasy, and lifestyle content in addition to experiential opportunities in the U.S. and globally through Yahoo Fantasy,” says Brian Angiolet, SVP/global chief media and content officer, Verizon. “With the addition of live NBA games, highlights, classic footage, originals, and more to our mobile sports offering, Yahoo Sports and Verizon’s family of media brands are becoming the first screen for fans of live sports and a superior alternative for partners and advertisers.”

Says Bill Koenig, president, global content and media distribution, NBA, “We are absolutely thrilled to extend and grow our unique relationship with Verizon and its various media platforms. This expanded partnership allows us to tap into Verizon’s expansive reach and new technologies to engage our fans through a variety of innovative experiences.”