NBA 2K partners with TNT Sports & Genius Sports to bring viewers an uncanny new way to watch the NBA 2024 Emirates Cup.
Announced today, December 3, NBA 2K25 Datacast takes the NBA 2K25 video game UI and overlays it on actual games played in the 2024 Emirates Cup Knockout Round covered on truTV and Max. Now, whenever someone shoots a shot, you’ll see how well that baller’s release was, what the percent chance of it swooshing the net, and just how strong the opponent’s coverage was for their shot. You’ll also start seeing stat boxes that come straight out of the video game.
This alternative telecast will be available for all of TNT Sports’ 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals and Semifinal live game coverages, aiming to “blur the lines between the video game and the real NBA experience.” Just some of the elements fans can expect to see in truTV and Max broadcasts of these games include the Shot Meter, 2K Badges, official 2K camera angles, and more, including the aforementioned stat boxes and coverage.
The telecast utilizes split-second game insights powered by Genius Sports’ GeniusIQ – including player tracking, shot probability, and shot distance. A 2K Sports press release also says that this telecast will feature contributions from NBA and WNBA legends and superstars Vince Carter, Candace Parker, Channing Frye, Adam Lefkoe, and Kirk Goldsberry, among others.
Now, NBA 2K25 players also have an incentive to buy in to this alternative telecast. NBA 2K25 Datacast broadcasts will feature a total of six NBA 2K25 Locker Codes, each unlocking an Amethyst MyTEAM Options pack, allowing players to choose one of 11 NBA superstars to add to their MyTEAM Lineup.
With this innovation, we’ve gone full circle. With video game companies in the past going against each other in a graphics arms race in a bid to showcase the most realistic-looking video game, we now have real-life broadcasts aiming to replicate video game interfaces. Only fans can tell whether or not this alternative viewing experience would actually be fun to watch, or if the novelty will immediately wear off after a few games.
NBA 2K25 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch.