With Emirates NBA Cup in Full Swing, Productions Go Beyond the Look and Feel of Standard Regular-Season Games'

With Emirates NBA Cup in Full Swing, Productions Go Beyond the Look and Feel of Standard Regular-Season Games' Rebranded tourney offers new graphics and court designs, increased access By Jason Dachman, Editorial Director, U.S.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 2:51 pm

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The NBA's second-annual In-Season Tournament, which was rebranded as the Emirates NBA Cup this season, has seen plenty of excitement throughout its opening two weeks. In addition to new City Edition jerseys and eye-popping court designs for all 30 teams, the league has boosted its production efforts for these games with an eye on making NBA Cup broadcasts stand out from the pack.

We're focused on building on the success of the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup and using our broadcasts to highlight the significance of these games for our fans, says Paul Benedict, SVP, broadcasting content management, NBA. There's so much excitement surrounding the NBA Cup, and these broadcasts should go beyond the look and feel of standard regular-season games.

All 30 teams once again have custom-designed painted courts for the NBA Cup group play and knockout rounds

Dynamic Storytelling: Creative Camera Angles, All-Access Audio Play Big Role Throughout this year's tournament, the league is experimenting with creative camera angles - including cable and drone systems - that Benedict and company believe provide a refreshing and dynamic viewing experience.

Videos and graphics that explain the NBA Cup format are key, given that it's still a relatively new concept for fans.

NBA Cup broadcasts have also featured an elevated level of access to players and coaches through more-robust and exclusive content from league broadcast partners ESPN and TNT Sports. This includes in-game player interviews as well as mics and locker-room cameras capturing pre/postgame and halftime content.

We're encouraging all of our broadcast partners to take advantage of this platform to leverage new technology and reach fans in new ways, says Benedict. I'd add that integrations such as videos that explain the NBA Cup format - given that it's still a relatively new concept - and unique graphics will remain staples of our broadcasts.

Additionally, the official anthem of the tournament - a reimagined version of LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out featuring The Roots - is back again after being well-received last year.

Also back are fully painted courts for all 30 teams during Group Play and the Quarterfinals. The courts, designed by artist Victor Solomon, certainly stand out during NBA Cup broadcasts and continue to generate plenty of buzz across social media.

It Takes a Production Village: Working With National, Regional Broadcast Partners This year's NBA Cup telecasts will follow the same structure as last season's, with 46 Group Play games airing on local broadcasts and 14 on national networks.

After providing pregame shows from Bristol, CT, for Group Play and Knockout games, ESPN's NBA Countdown will hit the road for the Semifinal and Championship Game in Vegas.

We've received tremendous support and buy-in from our broadcast partners across the board, says Benedict. It's easy to focus on the Semifinals and Finals in Vegas, but the majority of our audience will experience NBA Cup games on local networks. Our initiatives with national partners obviously get plenty of exposure, but we'd be remiss not to mention the significant investment that regional networks have put into the Cup.

These enhanced broadcast elements include customized educational videos featuring NBA stars from all 30 teams, dynamic storytelling featuring the individual courts across the league, and deeper access to players and coaches.

We worked directly with everyone - above- and below-the-line personnel, game talent, and team staff - to build the presentation from the ground up, says Benedict. This collaborative approach has allowed us to explore creative and technical solutions that enhance both the coverage and the storytelling around the NBA Cup.

The league has also provided a range of assets, including a dedicated graphics package and style guide, along with the official LL Cool J and The Roots Cup Anthem.

While these elements set the foundation, says Benedict, it has been exciting to see how each broadcast partner has infused their own creativity into each telecast. Everyone is committed to the long-term success of the NBA Cup.

All About Access: Bringing Viewers Close to the Action Access remains at the forefront of the NBA's broadcast-innovation efforts, and the league is using the Emirates NBA Cup as a platform to introduce elements that bring fans closer to the players and coaches on the court.

For 76ers' NBA Cup broadcasts, NBC Sports Philadelphia has incorporated in-game interviews featuring play-by-play caller Kate Scott (right) and analyst Alaa Abdelnaby.

Our goal is to provide more-dynamic, real-time content that brings fans closer to the action, says Benedict. These initiatives reflect our ongoing efforts to evolve the broadcast experience, providing fans with a deeper, more authentic connection to the Emirates NBA Cup.

For local broadcasts, the NBA and its broadcast partners prioritize in-game interviews and increased player access, which Benedict believes add a new level of excitement and real-time connection, giving fans more forward-facing content and deepens their connection to players.

For national broadcasts, the NBA has launched two interesting features for the Knockout Rounds: live coach mics and the latest Q5X player mics.

After using live mics during the Knockout Rounds in Las Vegas last year, the NBA will leverage them during the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and NBA Cup Championship Game this time around. The integrat

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