Inspired Entertainment has agreed a deal with the NBA to gain the rights to develop and provide virtual sports games utilizing the league’s branding.
The gaming and technology provider will produce NBA-themed virtual sports games to offer fans the chance to bet on fast-paced games. Players will be able to place similar bets to real NBA games such as money lines and over/under bets.
Games will be fully kitted out in NBA branding including the imagery of all 30 team logos, NBA archived footage and NBA All-Star, NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals imagery.
Brooks Pierce, Inspired’s President and CEO, explained: “We are thrilled to offer basketball fans worldwide the one-of-a-kind experience of a Virtual Sports NBA game. Our use of archived NBA footage will produce a truly distinct Virtual Sports offering, complete with fresh gaming experiences that provide a unique way for fans to stay connected with the game, even during the off-season.
“Our partnership with the NBA allows us to provide an incredible offering that elevates our customers’ brands and expands their reach to millions of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.”
The NBA has been seeking opportunities in the betting and gaming sector since the repeal of PASPA in 2018 and is aiming to innovate in the space.
The league has its NBA Launchpad program which aims to inspire innovation through a six-month investment program. In the 2023 edition, micro-betting firm nVenue worked with the NBA for a betting curation engine.
SBC Americas spoke to both the NBA and nVenue about this partnership and how the league is investing in the betting and gaming arena to diversify its revenue streams.
“Virtual sports gaming continues to grow in popularity across the globe,” stated Kuljeet Sindhar, Associate Vice President of International Gaming & Data Ventures at the NBA.
“We’re excited to embark on this unique collaboration with Inspired Entertainment to engage our fans around virtual sports with real game action.
“Inspired is a leader in this space and will utilize immersive NBA game footage to deliver an authentic NBA experience to reach our fans in new and unique ways and continue to grow our fanbase around the world.”
