NBA Gives Fans Online Option for Out-of-Market Games
NBA League Pass Broadband Now Available As Stand-Alone Product
By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 10/29/2008 11:23:00 AM
Displaced NBA fans who want to check out their favorite teams online can now do so without purchasing the linear NBA League Pass out-of-market game package.
The league announced Wednesday that it will offer as a stand-alone product its NBA League Pass Broadband service through its NBA.com Web site. The service, which will provide fans with access to 40 live NBA games online each week, will retail at a suggested price of $84.95, according to Turner Sports, which runs the league’s digital channels, including NBA TV.
In addition, the broadband offering will feature a new mosaic video player that will give fans the ability to watch multiple out-of-market games at the same time, as well as an on-demand archive that makes games available for 48 hours.
Previously, the NBA League Pass Broadband was only available as an extension of the cable television- and satellite-delivered NBA League Pass digital package. Fans purchasing the $169 linear package will still have access to the broadband service, according to Turner.
The league joins the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball in offering stand-alone, Web-based out-of-market game packages.
“NBA Digital is committed to providing fans with the most innovative and comprehensive coverage of the game they love by offering more options to follow their favorite teams and players throughout the season,” said Bryan Perez, senior vice president and general manager of NBA Digital in a statement. “Whether it is on television or online, NBA League Pass puts the viewing experience in the hands of fans across the country.”
