US technology company Intel has agreed its latest sports partnership by entering into a three-year deal with Major League Baseball for virtual reality coverage of the North American league’s games.
Starting June 6, Intel will livestream one weekly out-of-market game every Tuesday via the Intel True VR app, in addition to featuring post-game highlights and on-demand replays of each game.
The live ‘Intel True VR Game of the Week’ will use an array of 4K-resolution cameras, with fans being offered the chance to choose from up to four camera angles per game or a produced VR broadcast experience.
Fans will also have access to up-to-the-moment player and team statistics throughout the game, including pitcher and batter data, and will hear exclusive in-app commentary.
Kenny Gersh, executive vice-president of business at MLB Advanced Media, said: “Our partnership with Intel will keep MLB at the forefront of technological innovation for our fans, bringing them closer to the action.”
The Intel True VR Game of the Week will be available free of charge through the Intel True VR app using a Samsung Gear VR headset.
The service will commence with the Cleveland Indians’ game against the Colorado Rockies on June 6 and will this month also feature Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants (June 13), Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners (June 20) and St. Louis Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (June 27).
In April, American football league the NFL entered into a wide-ranging partnership with Intel. Under the deal, the company’s freeD technology will be deployed in select NFL stadiums across the league, adding to existing deployments in stadiums in Baltimore, Houston and San Francisco.
Intel freeD technology will create immersive experiences for NFL fans, enabling views of the greatest plays from every angle.