NBA further embraces sports betting through new app features

The stream is part of the NBA’s new global app, which went live Thursday. The league took to Twitter to share the news that its “reimagined NBA App” had rolled out. The NBA TV-produced NBABet Stream will feature betting specialist and former All-Big Ten basketball player Tim Doyle. Various contributors will join the ex-baller in a weekly stream tailored to give fans the latest wagering information during live games.

In addition, the new app will give NBA League Pass subscribers access to betting-focused streams and other options intended to provide more personalized viewing experiences.

All about the fans

Together with its joint venture and content partner, Turner Sports, the NBA intends the new app to build a stronger direct relationship with fans. The NBA intends the new app to build a stronger direct relationship with fans of the league. A “toggle switch” in the app will enable non-sports-bettors to turn off any gambling content.

The NBA App features new documentaries, archived content and over 500 hours of classic basketball showdowns. With personalization powered by Microsoft Azure and Azure AI, user preferences will inform content recommendations.

In a Thursday news release on the official NBA site, NBA executive VP Chris Benyarko deemed the app rollout a “major milestone as we continue to build and strengthen our direct-to-consumer offerings.”

Benyarko added that the league is “thrilled” to launch a product that will “enhance and personalize the way NBA fans engage with the league on a daily basis.”

Off button for non-bettors

According to Axios, NBA senior VP Andrew Yaffe has commented on the balance between offering wagering information and not pushing league fans towards gambling. He said the league is aware of its responsibility in maintaining this balance.

Yaffe highlighted that partners, such as official NBA betting partners FanDuel and DraftKings, produced “all the gaming-specific content” on the new app. The news website cited Yaffe as saying that there will also be “a toggle switch allowing fans to choose not to see content specifically related to gambling.”

Benyarko also stressed that the NBA “won’t be taking actual bets through our experiences.”