News Summary
The NBA has introduced the ‘Tap to Watch’ initiative aimed at simplifying how fans access live game broadcasts beginning in the 2025-26 season. Integrated across various platforms, this feature will streamline viewing options, directing fans to game telecasts available on services like ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. The initiative includes enhancements such as Real-Time Scores in the NBA App and direct subscription options through the platform. This approach aims to improve the overall engagement and viewing experience for fans amid a changing media landscape.
New York City
The NBA has unveiled the ‘Tap to Watch’ initiative, designed to simplify fan access to live game broadcasts starting with the 2025-26 season. This initiative aims to enhance the viewing experience by directing fans to game telecasts available across various platforms, including national outlets like ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video, alongside local game broadcasts.
The Tap to Watch feature will be integrated into the NBA’s digital ecosystem, utilizing the NBA App, NBA.com, as well as team applications and websites. Fans will have the ability to access game telecasts from multiple media partners and third-party platforms such as Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, and Roku. Additional partnerships with companies like FanDuel, Fanatics, and Yahoo Sports are also set to enhance fan engagement and access throughout the season.
Chris Benyarko, the NBA’s Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology & Operations, highlighted the primary objective of the initiative is to make live games easier for fans to find and watch. The NBA App will feature Real-Time Scores, offering a live clock and synchronized scores that match the action in arenas to reduce latency during broadcasts.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
As part of the 2025-26 NBA Schedule Release presented by Ticketmaster, fans can look forward to the fourth annual Rivals Week and three Global Games. The upcoming season’s schedule will include eight significant matchups and rivalries that will be highlighted, providing fans with exciting viewing options.
The NBA’s flagship show, The Association, will also play a role in supplying additional information for fans to tune into games efficiently. The Tap to Watch feature is tailored to help fans quickly locate their favorite teams and players amidst the growing complexity of streaming services. Fans will find game and schedule pages throughout the NBA’s digital platforms that display available viewing options based on individual user locations and viewing preferences.
A single “watch” button will be a part of the initiative, allowing fans to directly access games on the relevant streaming platform without confusion. This solution is aimed at addressing the increasing complexity of where to watch NBA games as a result of the league’s recent media agreements.
Season Launch and Subscriber Options
The NBA season is set to commence on Tuesday, October 21, featuring a doubleheader that showcases star players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant. Additionally, users without existing subscriptions to the required viewing platforms will have the option to subscribe directly through the Tap to Watch links provided.
The NBA recognizes the rapidly shifting media landscape and is committed to not only providing easier access to content but also enhancing the overall viewing experience for fans. Tap to Watch is a significant step in achieving that goal, positioning the NBA to adapt to the evolving preferences of its audience.
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Additional Resources
- NBA: Tap to Watch Initiative
- Adweek: NBA Tap to Watch Stream
- Awful Announcing: Tap to Watch for Fans
- NBC Sports: NBA’s New Tap to Watch Feature
- Google Search: NBA Tap to Watch
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