💡 Here's Why The NBA Is Bigger Than Just A Sports League

Welcome to The Hype Report where we break down the latest news, stories & happenings around sports & web3.

The NBA is onto something bigger

I know this report isn't necessarily web3-related, but fresh off the exciting (and exhausting) NBA All-star weekend - I came to a realization...

The league is lightyears ahead of other sports properties as it relates to technology and fan experiences.

Looking at the activations and events throughout the weekend was a telltale sign of the direction the league is going in.

They aren't actually focused on building a sports league, at least in my eyes.

I believe they're building a mega-media and technology brand by leveraging player IP.

The NBA hosts their annual Tech Summit during All-Star weekend where they unveil some of the latest and greatest developments in the sport.

During this year's event, they discussed web3 (of course), data, and player performance, but by far the most talked about trend was the new streaming experience in the NBA app.

Let's dive into it a little deeper...

The new NBA streaming app

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver unveiled the streaming experience of the future via the NBA App.

Some of the new features include:

✅ Fans can scan their own avatar into a live NBA game via the NBA App and replace an NBA player

✅ Wider selection of alternate languages

✅ High-profile influencer and celebrity commentary

✅ The ability to transport the game to virtual locations

✅ New animated graphics

✅ Integrated betting

✅ Enhanced camera angles

Scrolling through the comments on Twitter, you clearly see that people had mixed reviews and feelings about some of the capabilities in the app.

Some didn't see the need for a lot of them.

Others thought it wasn't really that state-of-the-art.

But what was undeniable about the presentation is how bullish the NBA is on bridging the gap between two main things:

1) Media

2) Technology

Content is king

The NBA understands its core audience.

Furthermore, they understand where media is going and how streaming is skewing younger.

Gen Z doesn't watch full games on TV.

They watch highlights on their phones through streaming networks.

The NBA is adamant about meeting the new generation where they're at and catering to their needs:

• Mobile first

• Shorter clips/content

• Interactive experiences

• Opportunities to engage with players off the court

Media drives eyeballs.

Eyeballs drive dollars.

That's the name of the game these days and everybody is vying for that attention.

But the NBA has something other sports media brands such as Bleacher Report and ESPN can't compete with.

Players' intellectual property.

The league leverages its player's brands with extreme intent and strategy.

They continue to put players at the forefront - which is a big reason they are what they are today and continue to grow worldwide.

Other leagues such as the NFL, and MLB have it, but they lack in this department.

These leagues put the logo first.

The NBA content strategy seems largely predicated on fans being able to interact and connect with the players and the stories the league tells about them.

Fans want to connect with and hear from players. They don't care about the brand.

The NBA understands that as well as anybody.

The future of the league

The NBA tech summit has been going on for 20+ years.

To my knowledge, no other league has been this progressive when it comes down to integrating technology within its ecosystem and product offering.

And that's what is most impressive in my opinion.

It's not necessarily the technology itself, but it's how they've been able to adapt and be malleable.

It's their ability to implement and execute.

And it's partially because of the quality of the NBA's ownership group.

Many of the NBA owners come from tech or venture capital which pushes the league to adopt tech faster.

When people say the NBA is the most innovative league, it's not necessarily because they are doing unheard-of things.

In fact - some of the stuff displayed in this year's event has been built and seen years ago.

The thing is, traditionally, sports leagues don't innovate well enough or fast enough.

I think the NBA does both really well and that is a reflection of solid leadership.

As with everything, it starts at the top and trickles down.

I mean it's not a coincidence that some of the NBA's top players are also some of the biggest tech investors and forward-thinkers in today's business landscape.

I believe the NBA will reach new levels with fan engagement in the coming years especially when you start to integrate AI, blockchain, and AR/VR.

Pretty soon, we'll start to see everything from:

• Curated feeds specific to user

• Own able digital moments and collectibles exploding

• Virtual experiences and exclusive access via NFTs

Technology and media are ever-evolving, but the NBA's ability to see around the corner, and most importantly, try new things will push this global game even further.

BTW - I think Wednesdays are going to be reserved for more thought pieces like this.

Let me know your thoughts and if you got value from this.

Appreciate you reading!

Talk to you again soon,

Malcolm

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not financial or business advice in any capacity. The information shared is my thoughts & opinions and does not represent the opinions of any other person, business, entity, or sponsor.

The contents of this newsletter also should not be used in any public or private domain without the author's express permission. The contents of this newsletter should not be used for any commercial activity, for example, research report, consultancy activity, or paywalled article, without the author's express permission.