US sports broadcaster ESPN has teamed up with tech giant Meta to bring a sports-themed virtual reality (VR) experience to the Meta Quest platform.
Confirmed:
- Immersive sports highlights from ESPN's portfolio are now available on the Xtadium application
- Featured facilities include National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college football and basketball
- Clips from other ESPN shows will also be featured, including the ESPY Awards
- An authentic ESPN-branded experience is in development for Meta Horizon Worlds
context:
Meta is the fourth member of the ESPN Edge Innovation Center. The ESPN Edge Innovation Center is an initiative designed to explore how emerging technologies such as VR, augmented reality (AR), 5G, and mobile edge computing (MEC) can enhance sports media and broadcasting. Existing members include technology consulting firm Accenture, technology giant Microsoft and US mobile phone company Verizon.
ESPN is experimenting with new digital experiences ahead of the launch of a full direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform in 2025. Meta, on the other hand, sees sports as a way to promote the VR ecosystem and drive consumer adoption and developer support.
comment:
“Meta joining the ESPN Edge Innovation Center is a significant opportunity for us to test, learn and continue our relentless pursuit of innovation in the ever-evolving sports entertainment landscape,” said ESPN Business Development and said Kevin Lopez, Vice President of Innovation. . “Meta is an industry leader that brings tremendous expertise to a group of powerful innovators.”
“Suddenly you and your friends are together in VR courtside or in the end zone, feeling like you’re actually there, and sports change forever. ESPN is a game-changer in making this a reality.” ,” added Vishal Shah, VP of Metaverse at Meta.
Future plans:
The ESPN-branded Horizon Worlds experience will be released this summer.
SportsPro New York 2024 unravels the challenges and uncovers opportunities in the world's largest sports broadcasting and streaming market. Secure your pass now Join hundreds of sports business professionals in Manhattan this March.
