(Photo : NBA) VR will help provide a unique experience for NBA fans.


Could virtual reality pave way for an entirely new fan experience within the National Basketball Association?



NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives hope to answer that question and recently visited Stanford to experience some of its VR technology.



One of the best views from a fan in all sports is courtside at an NBA game. They'll have the opportunity to witness star athletes perform just a few feet away. The average fan, however, is unable to experience courtside seats as these tickets cost a lot of money.



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But what if virtual reality could one day change this and allow anyone to experience games courtside with a full 360-degree HD view around them using an Oculus Rift-like headset? Similar VR modes have already been built. For example, a cyclist using a VR headset on a stationary bike can now compete in virtual bike races on race courses all across the world.



The NBA team of executives visited the Virtual Human Interaction Lab, which offers a unique virtual reality experience utilizing powerful surround sound speakers in addition to cameras and motion sensors that track every single movement.



"As the user looks around, a closetful of computers regenerates his or her view at 75 frames per second and feeds a video image into an Oculus Rift headset," said Professor Jeremy Bailenson.



It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility this technology will help provide a unique experience for NBA fans, as well. Not only will VR tech appeal to millions around the U.S. who aren't able to buy courtside tickets, but also fans around the world, including those in the NBA's second-largest market, China, who aren't even able to attend a single game.



How about taking it a step further and using VR technology to allow users to virtually get on the court with NBA players participating in replays or viewing game highlights right on the court.



"This could let fans experience what it's like to stand on the free throw line with two seconds left in a tie game and 19,000 people screaming at you," Silver said.



Everything is speculation right now of course, but virtual reality could one day revolutionize the way fans watch sporting events from the comfort of their home.




TagsVirtual Reality, Oculus Rift, Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Sports, basketball fans, courtside