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By Pat Evans
With the NBA aiming for a pre-Christmas start to its next season, the league will look to amp up its broadcasts. Virtual signage, holograms and virtual reality are just some of the offerings the league will look to enhance, bolstering revenue streams even after fans return to games.
As COVID-19 cases rise, hopes of having fans back in the stands for the start of the season seem to be on the back burner. Pandemic or not, however, “99% of fans never step foot into an NBA arena,” representing the long-term importance of an exciting at-home experience.
Additionally, a December start will allow for prime broadcast dates — like Christmas Day — for NBA partners ESPN and Turner. The shortened season will also conclude prior to the start of the Summer Olympics, allowing select players the ability to compete with USA Basketball.
New 2020-21 Season Plans:
- 72-game season
- Play-in tournament
- Potentially no All-Star Game
- Oct. 30 deadline for CBA modifications
- Financial allowances to help make up for loss of fan revenue on game days — up to 40% of league revenues
