Verizon and the NBA have entered a multiyear partnership in order to offer content including live out-of-market games via NBA League Pass, highlights, fantasy basketball and original programming.
Through the deal, NBA content will be featured on Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Fantasy and across Verizon’s other media brands. The companies will allow users to purchase NBA League Pass in the U.S. on Yahoo Sports and other Verizon media platforms and launch a new daily show featuring NBA highlights and commentary.
Verizon and the NBA will also work on developing augmented reality and other forms of content, along with original sports and lifestyle programming utilizing the league’s archive of NBA footage across Yahoo Sports and Verizon’s media platforms.
Verizon’s “It’s on Us” program will also make up to eight NBA League Pass games available to registered users at no cost.
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“Verizon is uniquely positioned to partner with the NBA in a first of-its-kind technology and content partnership that will serve the NBA’s dynamic fan base with more live action, fantasy and lifestyle content in addition to experiential opportunities in the U.S. and globally through Yahoo Fantasy,” said Brian Angiolet, senior vice president and Global Chief Media and Content Officer at Verizon, in a statement. “With the addition of live NBA games, highlights, classic footage, originals and more to our mobile sports offering, Yahoo Sports and Verizon’s family of media brands are becoming the first-screen for fans of live sports, and a superior alternative for partners and advertisers.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to extend and grow our unique relationship with Verizon and its various media platforms,” said Bill Koenig, president of Global Content and Media Distribution for the NBA, in a statement. “This expanded partnership allows us to tap into Verizon’s expansive reach and new technologies to engage our fans through a variety of innovative experiences.”
NBA content will be available to fans on any wireless carrier later this season via Oath’s Yahoo Sports.
Verizon’s expanded deal with the NBA is similar to a new content deal Verizon scratched out with the NFL late last year. Verizon gave up its exclusive right to stream NFL games on smartphones, but will now have the ability to stream Sunday Night, Monday Night and Thursday Night football games and the ancillary content across its digital and mobile properties.