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Anyone who has watched more than a handful of NBA games in their life knows that there are many, MANY games where it seems like the players on both teams are just coasting along waiting for the fourth quarter to roll around and THEN they start to put forth a full effort in trying to win.
Honestly, it’s that scenario that has caused basketball fans like myself and others to watch less NBA games than we used to, if at all, these days.
Now, however, people who do still watch the NBA and those who are only interested in watching from the point in the game where the players seem to start caring, the fourth quarter, now have the option to watch just that portion of games using the NBA League Pass streaming service.
On Thursday, the NBA and Turner Broadcasting announced that for the first time ever, fans will now have the ability to not only make single-game purchases, but also buy just a portion of a game.
Beginning at the start of the season, fans will have the ability to purchase a single game on NBA League Pass from the end of the third quarter to the conclusion of the game for $1.99, offering fans unprecedented real-time access to live NBA action including pivotal matchups, record-setting performances and incredible comebacks. Starting in early December, fans will have the additional option to buy a single game at reduced prices at the beginning of each quarter. The base price for an entire single game will remain at $6.99, with pricing for the additional options to be announced leading up to marketplace availability.
NBA Digital is also developing an option to enable fans to purchase 10 minutes of real-time game access. Details regarding the future launch of that offering will be announced at a later date.
“Our partnership with the NBA continues to center on the development of innovative, fan-first products that deliver premium content through an array of touch points and drive consumption across all platforms,” said David Levy, President of Turner. “These game-changing initiatives will provide fans with immediate access to live NBA action in more ways than ever before. From live games on TNT and NBA TV to these compelling options for NBA League Pass subscribers, fans will be able to customize the experience to best align with their viewing preferences.”
“The new micro-transaction offerings on League Pass will deliver more customized experiences to meet the needs of NBA fans,” said Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner. “Instead of waiting to watch highlights after a game, fans will be able to enjoy a portion of a game in real-time.”
Micro-transactions… even the NBA is getting in on that way to bleed people of their money. Shocking.
“It’s a big moment, but it’s also a small first step,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN about the move. “There are limitations in the technology right now, but we’re working as quickly as possible so that, at some point in the near future, fans can choose to buy any part of any game.”
By December, the league plans to give fans the option of buying viewing rights by the start of each quarter for a yet-to-be-disclosed price.
“We imagine a situation where a fan has dinner at 8 o’clock and only has 30 minutes and can choose to buy a half-hour of a game,” Silver said.
You know who is going to be loading up on these mini-portions of NBA games? Gamblers who bet on things like the halftime score or other similar prop bets. In other words, the NBA is going to make a fortune with these moves.