NBA Returns with Virtual Fans

Luka Dončić, a star NBA player, had the ball with just a few seconds left in the playoff game and down by one point. The crowd in the stands had anxiety written over the faces. With the clock winding down to zero he hoisted up a three-point shot just over the outstretched arms of the defender, and it went in. This is usually the part where you would hear and see 20,000 fans in sheer jubilation however for the first time in its history the NBA resumed play with no fans allowed.

To create a safe and environment during a global pandemic, the top 22 regular season teams were invited to Orlando, FL where the NBA created a “bubble” environment. All games from the regular season to thru the championship games would be played in the bubble. Players would live in and play in a restricted area of Disney World. (Young, 2020).

While the concept of simply playing basketball in an open gym, the league still wanted to incorporate its fans into the game so they turned to a technology leader. The NBA in partnership with Microsoft created a virtual courtside experience (Warren, 2020).

For lifelong NBA fans such as Nick Huff and Micah Mitchell this experience has allowed them to see a new side of their favorite sport. When asked how the NBA experience is now compared to the typical product the answers Micah certainly noticed the distinctions “At first it was an odd experience, but after watching one game I got used to it. One difference I noticed was that there seemed to be more intense play without the crowd there,” said Micah. “It’s really weird to see a big shot being made, and you hear a mild noise in the gym rather than an intense reaction from a crowd.”

Nick, an avid basketball player and viewer, felt a loss without the fans in the stadium. “It feels less energetic. It doesn’t feel like an event, it only seems eventful to me because there is nothing else on. Before there used to be an energy and the fans have an ability to dictate how the game ebbs and flows. I would argue that without this exponent, the game changed,” said Nick. “A new feature I enjoy is the increased camera angles from areas where fans normally sit.”

When it came to the gameplay both agreed that there are some major differences due to the new model. As a viewer, Micah felt like the players benefited off the lack of the crowd “There are some players that weren’t playing as well in their career that have turned into stars in the bubble” said Micah.

One of the key themes we have learned from pandemic is that some changes that have been made around different markets have improved the product. Micah mentioned player safety as a benefit. “I hope that the league implements some things into the regular season, such as the lack of the crowd in the front rows. This increases player safety and for the viewer it allows the camera crew to gain access to new views”

When the NBA made the decision to return with the “bubble” format and virtual fans, it took a risk. So far there have been favorable views with fans as they look to see which team wins the NBA Championship remotely.

Works Cited:

Young, J. (2020, June 28). Inside the NBA's plan to make money and engage fans in the Disney 'bubble'.   Retrieved September 19, 2020, from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/28/the-nbas-plan-to-make-money-and-engage-fans-in-the-disney-bubble.html

Warren, T. (2020, July 24). The NBA is using Microsoft Teams to bring basketball fans courtside. Retrieved September 19, 2020, from https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/24/21337326/nba-microsoft-teams-together-mode-basketball-virtual-experience-fans


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