The NBA takes its fans to the stands in a virtual experience created with Microsoft

The season has started but fans will not be able to attend the matches in person. That is why it has equipped the court with Led screens five meters high that surround three sides of the arena. These stands will be populated by more than 300 fans who will join the game through the new 'Together mode'’ of Teams.

For the followers of the NBA, Basketball is more than a sport. It's about belonging to a community with a collective passion for the game and the excitement of coming together to cheer on players and their favorite teams..

This year, The season 2019-2020 the 30 July in Orlando, But no fan will be able to be present in the stands during the matches. However, The NBA has found a solution so that fans can be close to the stars virtually. An initiative that will be able to be carried out thanks to Microsoft Teams.

The relationship of these two companies is not new. Last April, both companies established a multi-year partnership with the aim of creating experiences for basketball fans., Starting with a new fan engagement platform that offers personalized live and on-demand game streams, Historical video archives; and information of value for the fans, NBA coaches and broadcasters.

The latest initiative has been the launch of an experience that uses a new feature in Microsoft Teams called 'Together mode', that uses AI segmentation technology to bring people together in a shared environment, as a conference room, a café or stadium. Using scientific principles of cognition and social perception, 'Join mode' is more than a virtual background: makes being together virtually feel like being together in person.

For example, It's easy to maintain natural eye contact or record participants' emotions as they react to what's happening, whether it's an announcement in a meeting, a class presentation or the view of the NBA's favorite player about to score a three-pointer.

The NBA has equipped each playing field with five-meter-high Led screens that wrap three sides of the arena. These stands will be populated by more than 300 fans who will join the game using Teams' Together mode. Along with a fan view, participants can watch a live stream of the game directly from Teams.

“We're excited to partner with Microsoft to virtually onboard NBA fans to the season restart.. This unique live gaming experience will allow fans to maintain a sense of community while watching their favorite teams and players.”, comments Sara Zuckert, director of Next Gen Telecast, NBA

This new experience, the first to be released as a result of the partnership between the NBA and Microsoft, gives participating fans the feeling of sitting next to each other in a live game, without leaving the comfort and security of their homes. meanwhile, Players will experience their energy and support as they run around the court and see the real-time reaction of their fans.. And spectators who tune in to the game from home will feel the energy of the crowd and see the virtual stands full of fans..

In addition to the screens with virtual fans, powered by Microsoft Teams, the NBA has announced a number of improvements to the venue, Digital and streaming enhancements, that will help create a more immersive and communal viewing experience for fans during the NBA restart 2019-20.

Other articles on Microsoft, NBA