After last season’s all-time high attendances amid increasing interest at home and abroad, the NBA’s most anticipated campaign ever is just around the corner – and broadcasters are keen to take their coverage to new heights.ii iii

But how can they stand out from the crowd and differentiate their offering in a competitive space?

1. Integrate betting elements

Featuring betting-related insights and odds in live coverage is a powerful way to enhance the viewing experience. It is worth noting that basketball is the most popular sport to bet on in the US and more than half of those who wager on the NBA watch more than usual when betting on the action.iv v

Our emBET over-the-top solution, already integrated into the NBA League Pass streaming service, inserts real-time odds into live coverage, as well as Betting Insights, fueled by our Radar360 database, informing viewers about team and player performances and trends.

Meanwhile, expanding wagering options to include more than just basic spreads and over/unders will broaden the appeal. Player props are an enticing option, given that 40% of Gen Z adults have a favorite NBA player – a higher figure than any other major league or sport.vi Meanwhile, offering live betting provides an engaging new dimension to coverage, with in-play wagers set to account for 75% of all US sports bets next year.vii

2. ‘Wow’ viewers with vivid visualizations

Whether viewers are betting on the game, fantasy sports enthusiasts, or simply looking to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the action, data-driven graphics will lock in their attention. After all, nearly two-thirds of sports fans between the ages of 18 and 54 believe data analytics will improve the sports they consume.viii

As the sole worldwide distributor of NBA data and with exclusive player tracking data, we create stunning visualizations to bring a new perspective to the action, and our OnAir support keeps the graphics up to date.

In a Knicks game, for instance, Jalen Brunson might be on a hot streak from the field. But how impressive is his record? To add to the conversation, a graphic populated with real-time data could show Brunson’s real-time average points per shot – and how it compares with the rest of the NBA.

3. Tell a compelling story

Vivid visualizations are just part of a range of solutions we offer that are designed to create compelling data-based narratives, supported by Radar360 and player tracking data.

Our Game Notes enhance coverage with detailed information packages from top statisticians, and our Research Desk can answer player and game data-related questions from broadcasters if new storylines emerge during the game.

For example, if a team trails by 10 points heading into the final quarter, some viewers may be tempted to turn it off. But a list of memorable recent games when they have managed to overturn such a deficit would bring a fresh perspective to the closing stages.

Meanwhile, Core Insights provide contextualized statistics around notable moments in games – such as, for instance, a player moving up a place in the all-time rankings for franchise playoff rebounds.

This storytelling not only brings viewers closer to the action, but it also provides a historical context to the game to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

4. Offer a personalized experience

Sports followers are increasingly demanding personalized and interactive content, and customizable over-the-top solutions can cater to a range of viewer preferences.ix

Betting-focused streams such as those provided through emBET offer countless wagering options, while viewers can also access multiple viewing angles and even mic’d up players and coaches.

It is worth remembering that while streaming increasingly integrates on-demand second-screen elements such as real-time statistics, according to the latest figures, 87% of sports viewers use a second screen device during a game.x

With that in mind, Radar360 fuels online tools like Widgets as well as Core Insights and data-driven graphics in live broadcasts, empowering fans to dive deeper into engaging NBA statistics on their cellphone or tablet while they watch the action.

To find out more about how we can support NBA coverage ahead of the new season, contact us today.