When the Minnesota Timberwolves make the No. 1 overall pick at tonight’s 2020 NBA Draft, it will kick off a historic first virtual draft for the league.
The league sent top prospects kits that included hats from all 30 teams and gear to film their reactions to being drafted. Hosted at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. headquarters, 58 players were asked to participate in the television broadcast — more than double the 23 prospects who received “green room” invitations last year.
Earlier this summer, the NFL successfully navigated a virtual draft as it drew record viewership, jumping 37% year-over-year. The WNBA draft, held virtually in April, saw viewership increase 123% compared to 2019.
“NBA Draft Gifting Lockers” were given to 30 prospects and include:
- Beat Powerbeats Pro earbuds
- Beats Pill
- iPhone with tripod
- Microsoft surface
- Ring light
