The era of expensive courtside seats may be shifting. While prime Lakers tickets can easily exceed $10,000, Apple Vision Pro owners can now experience a courtside perspective for a mere $3,499 — the headset’s price tag — starting with the January 9th game between the LA Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks. This marks the first major commitment by a U.S. sports league to regular live broadcasts in virtual reality, potentially reshaping how fans engage with live events.
The Partnership: Apple, Spectrum, and the Future of Sports Broadcasts
Apple and Spectrum have partnered to stream select Lakers games live for Vision Pro users through the Spectrum SportsNet app. The collaboration, announced in October 2025, will deliver immersive streams at up to 150Mbps, with replays available for three days post-broadcast. Access requires either a Spectrum broadband or SportsNet subscription, though free NBA ID holders can also access live games, replays, and highlights through the NBA app.
The rollout isn’t limited to the US; the NBA app will distribute replays and highlights internationally, including countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan. This is a significant step towards broader adoption of immersive sports viewing, though availability remains tied to regional broadcast rights and subscriptions.
What Makes This Different: Immersive Viewing Angles
The key differentiator is the custom Blackmagic Ursa Cine Immersive rigs capturing 3D video tailored for the Vision Pro’s optics. Viewers will have access to seven perspectives: the scorer’s table, under both baskets, a high arena view, a wide arena view, the player tunnel, the broadcast booth, and a roaming courtside angle. This level of immersion goes beyond traditional broadcasts, offering a sense of presence previously unattainable without physically being at the game.
“The headset has always felt technically astonishing, but searching for a purpose. Live sports — something that thrives on immediacy and emotion — might finally be where it makes sense.”
This partnership could be the killer app the Vision Pro has been waiting for, providing a tangible use case beyond the device’s novelty and high-end design.
The Bigger Picture: XR and the Future of Entertainment
Industry analysts see this deal as a pilot program to validate XR platforms for real-time immersive live sports. While it won’t solve the Vision Pro’s affordability issues, it’s a critical step towards fulfilling the promise of extended reality (XR) in entertainment.
Six additional Lakers games are scheduled for immersive streaming through the spring of 2026:
- Feb. 5, 2026: 76ers at Lakers
- Feb. 20, 2026: Clippers at Lakers
- Mar. 5, 2026: Lakers at Nuggets
- Mar. 10, 2026: Timberwolves at Lakers
- Mar. 30, 2026: Wizards at Lakers
The NBA season runs through April 12, 2026, setting the stage for continued testing of this immersive broadcast format.
Ultimately, while the Apple Vision Pro remains a luxury product, this partnership demonstrates the potential for VR/AR to revolutionize live sports viewing. The question remains whether this is a niche experience for early adopters or a glimpse into the future of entertainment.
