The Sacramento Kings have become one of the most forward-thinking and tech-savvy franchises in all of professional sports. Today they continue this trend, unveiling their new 2016-17 uniforms with the help of virtual reality.
Willie Cauley-Stein helped them introduce their four new uniforms for next season in a 360-degree VR video. The new jerseys make their debut after the team introduced new logos in late April.
San Francisco-based VR company, River Studios helped produced the 360-degree VR video. Fans who want to get the full VR experience can visit the Arden Fair and Galleria at Roseville team stores, located in the Sacramento area. The Kings hope their new jersey and logo will help represent how much the city and their basketball team are intertwined.
The president of the Kings, Chris Granger is very excited about the jersey rebranding, stating in a press release “Our bold modern look represents our commitment to Sacramento and the pride of this region… Sacramento Proud will be on display at home, on the road and across the globe.” There will be four new uniforms: home, away, global and city. The jerseys draw inspiration from the classic Kings logo, as well as one of their former homes, Kansas City.
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The Kings have called California’s capital home since 1985. The jerseys feature three baby blue stitches representing: our city, our pride and our foundation. “Sacramento Proud” is printed at the base of every jersey, which is meant to serve as a reminder to honor the city during every game.
This is not the Kings’ first experience with VR. They have invested in a VR company and have broadcasted games in VR. Last summer we covered their use of VR to help increase ticket sales. Their newest VR marketing venture is very similar to the route the U.S. Soccer Federation took when they announced their new crest.
Their Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadive sees the team’s new logo and jersey rebranding as a big part of their larger goal. “This brand kicks off a new era for our franchise as we move into the most technologically-advanced, most environmentally-friendly arena in the world.”
When the Kings new Golden 1 Center opens in October it will be one of the most high-tech arenas in the world. As they continue their run as one of the most technologically progressive franchises on the planet, they hope their play on the court will soon catch up.
The 2016 NBA Draft is only a week away. When the Kings draft selections are introduced they will hold up these new jerseys, and when they do, maybe the franchise will once again take a tech-savvy approach.