Tuesday, June 25, 2019 – A roundup of some of the key sports technology stories you need to know, including SportTechie’s own content and stories from around the web
- Hotstar Reaches 100 Million Users for India v. Pakistan at Cricket World Cup: Indian streaming platform Hotstar announced it had reached 100 million daily active users during a recent Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan. India won the June 16 game by 89 runs. It was the highest-viewed single day event ever for the platform, and also saw Hotstar register a record-breaking 15.6 million concurrent viewers, the highest ever for a one day cricket match. Hotstar is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is attempting to bring cricket’s global popularity into the United States.
- NBA and Unbnd to Broadcast NBA TV in VR in Australia and Singapore: The NBA is partnering with Australian digital agency Unbnd to broadcast NBA TV in virtual reality for fans in Australia and Singapore. Unbnd’s MIA mixed reality platform will allow NBA TV viewers to watch live games, highlights, and original programming through a 360-degree virtual theatre environment that displays real-time game statistics and interactive branded content. The MIA app will be available before the start of the 2019-20 season on most VR headsets, mobile devices, and tablets. According to Unbnd’s website, NBA TV’s The Starters will be available to consume in VR. That seems to contradict earlier reports that said NBA TV was cancelling the show.
- Hainan Province Launches $145.6 Million Esports Development Fund: The Chinese province of Hainan has announced plans for a $145.6 million esports development fund, according to the Esports Observer. The money will be used to help develop esports companies in Hainan and to support local gaming tournaments. Hainan’s government will also provide housing benefits and higher educational programs to top-tier esports players, expand a visa-free visit program as an effort to welcome international esports players into the region, and pass a zero tariff and low tax rate policy to support business growth. “Developing an esports industry in Hainan is an important step to reinforce Hainan as a major position of international tourism,” said Sun Yin, director of Hainan Tourism and Culture. “The Hainan Esports Harbor will combine esports and tourism to build a new “Tourism + Esports” consumption model.”
- Recovery Brand Hyperice Partners With J.Storm Esports Organization: Sports recovery company Hyperice has announced a partnership with esports organization J.Storm. The partnership will see J.Storm esports athletes gain access to Hyperice muscle recovery and vibration therapy devices. J.Storm was founded by veteran NBA player Jeremy Lin, and is based in New York City. “Hyperice technology has been an important part of my basketball recovery regimen for years,” Lin said in a statement, “and I am thrilled to be bringing this same technology and know-how to J.Storm and the esports community.”