For the third consecutive year, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors meet in the NBA Finals, but for the time first time, highlights from the series will be available in virtual reality.
As part of NBA Digital’s partnership with NextVR, which included a regular schedule of live virtual reality programming this season through NBA LEAGUE PASS, fans will be able to watch free on-demand video clips from Stephen Curry and LeBron James following each Finals game.
After downloading the NextVR app, those individuals with a compatible smartphone can either watch with a Google Daydream View or Samsung GearVR headset.
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“This has been a season of firsts for our partnership with the NBA and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver highlights from each game of the 2017 NBA Finals highlights to our fans,” David Cole, NextVR Chief Executive Officer said in a statement. “After producing weekly live games, NBA All-Star coverage, and season highlights, the opportunity to deliver assess to The Finals caps off an exciting 2016-17 season.”
During the past year, NBA Digital and NextVR made games available in virtual reality a la carte for $6.99 mid-way through the season. Additionally, the two parties expanded its new offering internationally (minus China) via NBA LEAGUE PASS as well.
Around other recent marquee sporting events, like Super Bowl LI, a highlights package in virtual reality was also provided to fans as part of a pre-existing partnership between FOX Sports and its technology partner LiveLike.