Bitcoin and Google Glass are the newest innovations that have enormous potential for the basketball world. Much like the three-second violation, the breakaway rim, or the use of review cameras, the alterations established will forever change the culture of the game. Whether it be big market teams, which rely on reputation, popularity or heritage, or small market teams that depend on winning and marketing tactics, Bitcoin and Google Glass could soon be standard in their organization.
The testing grounds for these new innovations take place in Sacramento where the Kings are making more headlines for their technical improvements and modernizing methods than their on-court success. Although it may be more of a marketing tool, it could soon be more of a lifestyle.
Still, these new forms of universal improvement could soon become a commodity in the NBA paved the way by them.
Bitcoin
The Sacramento Kings were the first NBA team to accept Bitcoin, a virtual form of currency, as a means of payment. As of March 1st, fans have been able to pay for tickets, team merchandise, and concession using BitPay.
The Bitcoin is similar to PayPal, which is commonly used for online shopping. PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay and get paid online, via a mobile device and in-store. The service gives people simpler ways to send money without sharing financial information; and with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts, credit cards, or promotional financing.
Bitcoin, much like PayPal, would be ideal for the sports fan (if it can solve its current crisis) as it would allow for purchase of big ticket items (tickets, jerseys, memorabilia) to be credited to the account and later paid off.
By being the first NBA team to accept Bitcoin, the Kings are at an advantage. If Bitcoin continues successfully and fans understand its purpose and use, then it could later result in higher ticket and merchandise sales while offering better customer service.
Google Glass
The Sacramento Kings have again made innovations by streaming games via Google Glass.
Google Glass offers an insider experience for fans, as they could see from the point-of-veiw of Slamson the Lion, dancers, announcers, trainers, coaches, and players.
How cool would it be to see a posterizing dunk from the perspective of budding superstar DeMarcus Cousins?
Per Kings’ President Chris Granger: “Fans could simply aim their smart devices to inherit someone else’s Google Glass view, or evaluate concessions lines. It is just a matter of time before Google Glass is an integral part of the fan experience of watching live sports. We are very excited about the many future possibilities working with CrowdOptic.”
Here is a preview of Google Glass from January 24th against the Indiana Pacers:
Sacramento Majority Owner, Vivek Ranadive, is continuing his “NBA 3.0” philosophy: using technology to create new experiences for his team and the fans.
Although relatively new and not operational in-games, the glasses have tremendous potential to change the player-spectator relationship. With Google Glass, we are not far from being able to experience the excitement of the NBA from the comfort of our living room. Partnerships with TV and cable vendors can make it a profitable and rewarding investment opportunity; maybe somewhere along the lines of being included with an NBA League Pass subscription. It’s a win-win!
Although questions are raised about a player’s comfort level with wearing glasses, it could essentially be utilized by those who regularly sport eyewear (i.e. Amar’e Stoudemire and Kirk Hinrich). As the trend continues, fans could develop a stronger loyalty to the franchise as they see the commitment level of the players and coaching staff first-hand.
It is also worth noting that the Kings have purchased a site in close proximity to a new $448 million arena that is scheduled for completion in 2016.
Now sitting in the bottom of the Western Conference, their season isn’t entirely a wash as Sacramento is rebuilding with young pieces DeMarcus Cousins, Ben McLemore, and Isaiah Thomas. It could soon be a hand-and-glove fit, if the Kings can retool quick enough to compete in the conference. Also, as the popularity of Bitcoin and Google Glass increases, and their new home is complete, the Kings could bounce back strongly.
Sacramento will have significant salary cap space during the 2015-2016 season; and could target a big market star to help put them back into relevancy, maybe even title contention. The Kings franchise will be in the driver’s seat if the innovations takes off, with little to no risk for them. Unlike Kings’ Minority Owner, Shaquille O’Neal, making consecutive free-throws, the hypothetical scenario of the franchise experiencing some form of success isn’t as far-fetched as you’d think.
It’s a safe bet that Bitcoin and Google Glass will further enhance the player-spectator relationship and continue the trend of technical innovations in basketball.
Let’s hope that this is beginning of something new!
Shawn Jones is a freelance sports writer for the Yahoo! Contributor Network and SportTechie. He also studies Sports Communication at Bradley University. Follow him on Twitter and subscribe to his blog.