New Looks

The NBA and NHL are looking to blow out their broadcasts as both leagues officially return to action this week.

Microsoft and the NBA will partner to use Together Mode for Teams to feature more than 300 fans on 17-foot tall LED screens around the court. The fans will watch a live feed and can react in real time – the players, as well as viewers at home, will see and hear the reactions. ESPN and Turner Sports have also positioned more than 30 cameras around the court for unique angles. 

Thirty-two cameras, 12 more than normal, will be used around the rinks in Edmonton and Toronto that the NHL will use for its return. That will allow the league to show more of the ice and highlight new angles. There will also be a rink-wide stage with LED screens and banners featuring cheers played from fan-submitted videos.

What’s at Stake:

• $900 million: approximately how much TV revenue the NBA playoffs generated last year
• $500 million: approximately how much TV revenue the Stanley Cup Playoffs generated last year