Turner Sports, NBA Take NBA TV Direct-To Consumer

(Image credit: NBA)

The NBA and Turner Sports made a fast break to the direct-to-consumer consumer court Tuesday with the debut of NBA TV as a subscription-based streaming service.

NBA fans can now access the linear channel through NBA.com and the NBA app for $6.99 per month and $59.99 annually, according to Turner Sports executives. The service, which includes more than 100 exclusive live games, original programming and on-demand content, will continue to be available on an authenticated basis for fans who get NBA TV from a pay TV provider.

“Innovation has always been at the core of our NBA Digital partnership and the launch of this direct to consumer product, paired with new content initiatives, will provide NBA fans even greater opportunities to engage with NBA TV and our collective portfolio of brands,” said Tina Shah, executive vice president and general manager, Turner Sports in a statement. “As sports consumption continues to evolve, we will continue to develop new opportunities for fans to access and engage with premium NBA content.”

Along with its current lineup of content, NBA TV will also feature “Center Court,” a series of 20 live NBA games with enhanced viewing options including new camera angles, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics, and social media integration. Alternative streaming options for “Center Court” games including “Backcourt” streams featuring statistical overlays on the game feed, and “Frontcourt” streams incorporating alternative audio options with rotating groups of NBA influencers, according to the league.

“NBA TV is the ultimate destination for around-the-clock access to premium NBA games and programming,” said Chris Benyarko, NBA senior vice president, Direct to Consumer. “We are thrilled to offer more ways than ever to access NBA TV and provide a preview of the future live game viewing experience.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.