YBVR to produce selected games in format, including upcoming Real Madrid v Barcelona clash
Euroleague Basketball is to broadcast selected regular season games in virtual reality, in partnership with YBVR.
The pair already worked together to do the same during the Final Fours in Cologne and Belgrade in 2022, allowing fans to take control of the action as though they were sitting at courtside through 180 and 360-degree cameras spread around the court. At that time the production included 31 live cameras, five others dedicated to behind-the-scenes action, and three more equipped for virtual reality broadcasts.
This time round, fans will also be able to change camera at any time they want, and those watching on Xtadium will get real-time statistical overlays that can be toggled on or off and be able to create private watch parties to enjoy the games with friends.
The VR games package will be included in all EuroeagueTV subscriptions (which are available in all territories except France, Spain, and Italy), while US-based fans will have the chance to watch on Xtadium, the VR App developed by YBVR that is available on the Meta Quest Store.
The first regular season game to get this treatment will be Real Madrid v Barcelona on 26 January, which is sure to be a tense clash with both teams joint top of the league alongside Fenerbahce and Olympiakos. Real Madrid made it to the final last year, losing to Anadolu Efes Istanbul at the final hurdle after defeating Barcelona at the semi-final stage.
Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball marketing and communication senior director, said: “We are delighted to bring our partnership with YBVR to a next level. Their technology is terrific, and it really enables you to feel like if you were on the court, almost touching these incredible athletes. We are constantly looking at every opportunity to elevate the experience we deliver to our fans, and technology nowadays is unlocking enormous opportunities to do that.”
YBVR CEO Hector Prieto added: “We are excited to be pioneers with Euroleague in this immersive game experience. Our long-term agreement with them is already shaping the way in which basketball fans enjoy the sport. After being part of two Final Fours in a row, commercializing Virtual Tickets, it is really rewarding for the YBVR team to bring the best European basketball to Xtadium, where USA basketball fans can enjoy EuroLeague live games on watch parties with friends.”
The games are also available, without virtual reality, through 87 broadcasters and platforms around the world, including FreeSports in the UK, Sky Sports and Eleven Sports in Italy, L’Equipe in France, DAZN in Spain, and many more.
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