• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 30, 2025

NBA Tackles Thorny Problem of Streaming Video Latency

  • New NBA App slashes latency to 12 seconds from 30-40 seconds.
  • League developed its new global app with Microsoft.
NBA

The shift of key sports properties to streaming platforms from TV may live or die on the issue of latency. It’s fitting that the NBA, the most technology-forward league, is trying to untie the Gordian Knot of video latency via its new global app.

Latency is the delay between the action being captured on the court, transmitted to the production truck, and ultimately delivered on-screen to viewers.

Traditional broadcast and cable TV networks have a “low” video latency of only a few seconds. But latency for streaming services can be as “high” as 45 seconds. Longer if the live stream freezes or buffers. 

That lag between the broadcast and streaming feeds poses major problems for sports leagues, streaming services, and viewers — particularly “spoilers” that can ruin the game experience, when those streaming the game at home may learn the news via social media before they see it on their screens.

That’s not all. Gamblers can try to exploit the delay between real-time action and livestreams. And leagues like the NBA and Major League Baseball can never roll out innovations like in-game wagering until they bring latency down to near-broadcast TV levels.

That’s where the NBA’s new global app comes in.

The reimagined NBA App will integrate both of the league’s direct-to-consumer offerings: NBA League Pass and NBA TV. Thanks to two years of development between the NBA and Microsoft (the league’s official cloud and AI partner), these subscription offerings will offer lower latency for live video streaming than ever before.

  • The NBA’s previous latency was in the 30-40 second range. 
  • Under the new app, it’s been slashed to 12 seconds from capture in the production truck to streaming on cell phones and mobile devices. 

Ultimately, the NBA would like reach an “ultra-low” latency of a few seconds. Depending on the provider and connection of the viewers, broadcast and cable TV platforms typically have a latency of 6-8 seconds.

“We feel as though we’re very close,” said Ken DeGennaro, the NBA’s senior vice president of DTC products, Tech & Ops. “We are a new platform — and we are going to learn.” 

NBA Delivers Most-Watched Opening Night In Five Years

TNT’s Tuesday Opening Night doubleheader averaging 3.3 million viewers.
October 19, 2022

The NBA’s social media platforms generated 13 billion views during the 2021-22 season, up 7% from the year before. The new app from NBA Digital will offer global fans a one-stop-shopping approach as the league speeds toward the streaming future.

  • The free app will enable fans to watch games and highlights and check scores and statistics in one place.
  • The app will feature new live programming, personalized experiences, and social content, including: live streaming access to all pregame and postgame press conferences media days; social content series devoted to lifestyle, culture, fashion, and music.
  • Original new shows such as “CrunchTime,” a weekly whiparound show hosted by Jared Greenberg; and “NBABet,” a weekly sports betting show with Tim Doyle.
  • An “NBA Vault” archive offering fans access to 500 classic games as well as replays of every NBA Finals since 2000.
  • A “For You” page where fans can enjoy vertical video experiences and real-time highlights of all games in progress.
  • NBA ID: a global membership program offering rewards from the league, its teams and promotional partners.

Despite the challenges with latency, streamers are making progress when it comes to acquiring live sports rights.

With its exclusive coverage of “Thursday Night Football,” Amazon Prime Video scored the first ever all-digital package from the NFL.

Would The NBA Embrace Streaming for $100B?

The next wave of media rights will be incredibly lucrative.
October 15, 2022

Streaming giants Amazon and Apple are expected to bid against Disney’s ABC/ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT for the NBA’s U.S. media rights which come available starting in 2025.  

In the meantime, Commissioner Adam Silver’s NBA and individual clubs such as the Los Angeles Clippers are doing what they can to offer more streaming options.

“For many years, the live streaming viewer has been disadvantaged from a timing perspective,” DeGenarro said. “We’re looking to close that gap as much as we can so that all the viewing experiences are on par. And you don’t have that spoiler issue.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Leo Messi

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 19, 2025

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.
June 17, 2025

Zaslav Takes Pay Cut, TNT Sports Future Unclear in WBD Shake-Up

The TNT Sports parent company retools its executive pay after shareholder pushback.