The NBA is doubling down on its streaming strategy, and that means investing big in the tech that makes it all possible. NBA Investments, the league's investment arm, is injecting capital into MediaKind, the company behind the NBA League Pass's direct-to-consumer experience. This move signals a deeper collaboration on digital innovation at a time when every nationally televised NBA game is linked to a streaming service – think Prime Video, Peacock, and ESPN's revamped app.
Alongside the investment, the NBA has also inked a multi-year extension with MediaKind to keep them providing the tech and support for League Pass. Jeff Sherwin, COO of MediaKind, says the NBA looked at alternatives but found their experience with MediaKind unbeatable. The partnership will focus on long-term solutions and joint innovation to develop new features.
MediaKind is known for its video compression research. Under CEO Allen Broome, the company has focused on cloud-based video services to deliver high-quality picture with minimal delay. Within League Pass, their tech ensures the shot clock is perfectly synced, ads are seamlessly inserted, and market blackouts are managed effectively. David Lee, Head of NBA Investments, says the investment will help the NBA leverage MediaKind's technology to improve the fan experience and contribute to the company's growth.
What This Means For You, the NBA Fan
So, what does all this tech talk mean for you? Expect a smoother, more reliable streaming experience on League Pass. Think crystal-clear picture, no annoying lag, and perfectly timed ads (or at least, perfectly timed ad breaks!). The NBA is clearly prioritizing streaming, and this investment shows they're serious about making League Pass the best way to watch the game.
Key improvements to look out for:
- Improved video quality
- Reduced latency (less lag!)
- Seamless ad integration
- More reliable blackout management
Get ready to experience the NBA like never before!