Twitter to live-stream NBA games
Details
Michelle Clancy
| 10 January 2019

Social media giant Twitter has inked a live-streaming deal with the NBA, with plans to stream the second halves of 20 games appearing on Turner’s TNT cable network in the US.

The deal with Turner Sports and the basketball league has a social-media twist: Twitter users will vote each game on an individual player, which the single-camera feed will follow throughout the half. The idea is to add a second-screening experience that complements the linear presentation on TNT.

“We’re taking live content and expanding its footprint,” said Twitter content partnership head Kay Madati. “We’re not here to encroach on the rights of our partners."

The first stream will be available for the 17 Feb. NBA All-Star Game, followed by a schedule of regular-season and playoff live streams.