AT&T - first to introduce 5G in parts of Las Vegas – is now highlighting technology during its sponsorship of the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League, starting with live games this evening.
Following its introduction of 5G in parts of Las Vegas, AT&T* is rolling out plans to showcase the technology during its sponsorship of the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League. Together, AT&T and the NBA will present fans with new and interesting ways to get involved with all the action the event has to offer.
“As an ardent sports fan, I’m thrilled to have the power of 5G showcased for the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League here in Las Vegas,” said State Senator Mo Denis. “Being a major advocate for the advancement of technology in Nevada, it’s wonderful to see this deployment of 5G by AT&T around the NBA Summer League and all it can do to enhance and promote the use of this new technology.”
Whether it’s watching the game from a new perspective or analyzing plays and stats in real time, 5G has the potential to increase engagement in a multitude of ways. Check out NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and AT&T Communications CEO John Donovan who discussed the convergence of technology and sports recently at AT&T SHAPE.
5G makes it possible for broadcasters to deliver high-quality video, wirelessly. At select games on July 10-11, AT&T will provide the 5G mmWave spectrum, with Ericsson as the network infrastructure supplier, to allow the NBA to stream live video from Samsung devices. Video will be streaming live, using the LiveU Smart mobile app, from devices in the stands directly to the NBA production truck. From the truck, AT&T Global Video Services will transfer the footage to ESPN’s network broadcast offices. The live footage from the devices will be available to use in live coverage of the games on NBA and ESPN platforms and on social media channels. This precedent could open up new ways for fans to engage with the games and their broadcasts and represents another example of AT&T working to build the future of 5G applications.
5G will also be a major topic of discussion at today’s AT&T Innovation Exchange taking place during the NBA Summer League. This first-ever event will host over 100 business leaders to discuss how technological advancements and fan expectations are evolving the sports entertainment landscape, driving leaders like the NBA, AT&T, ESPN and others to create new and exciting opportunities on and off the court, and for fans everywhere.
And the 5G fun doesn’t stop there. Visitors to the Thomas & Mack Center from July 13-14 can experience 5G firsthand. They’ll be able to play the latest PC games in near real-time on a 5G smartphone with a tech demo of GeForce NOW cloud gaming service for Android or experience downloading an entire movie in seconds. All of this is being trialed in collaboration with one of our 5G network vendors, a leading 5G smartphone manufacturer and WarnerMedia.
The MGM Resorts NBA Summer League is an 11-day, 83-game event held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, where 30 NBA teams – plus the Chinese and Croatian National Teams – battle it out on the court for the top spot, crowned at the Championship Game on July 15.
