NBA to stream Golden State Warriors opening game in virtual reality

You know that whole "the future is here" thing we have heard about on many occasions? Well, it didn't vanish with "Back to the Future Day" drawing to a conclusion last week.

The NBA is actually planning to live stream the Golden State Warriors opening night game against the New Orleans Pelicans in virtual reality.  

You read that right. Virtual reality. 

If you own a Samsung Gear VR headset, you will be able to watch this matchup of two potential NBA Finals contenders in the comfort of your own living room as if you were actually at Oracle Arena. 

It's a new innovation around the sports world — something that has been bandied about for some time now. The idea of getting the in-game arena experience while never actually leaving your house. 
Per the tech website Venturebeat.com: 

"The NBA and Turner Sports have teamed up with NextVR to power this one-of-a-kind experience. Fans can download the NextVR app within the Oculus app store, open it in their Samsung Gear VR headset using their Samsung Note 4 or Galaxy S6 phone, and instantly be transported to Oracle Arena in Oakland, California."

This is obviously limited to those who own one of those two phones and have doled out about $100.00 for the virtual reality equipment. 

This will apparently be the first time that virtual reality has been used in a professional sporting event. More so than any of the other four major professional sports leagues in North America, the NBA has attempted to engage a growing fan base. 

It's a new, cheaper way for fans to experience the game they love. It also gives international fans a way to feel more involved in the game — fans that likely won't find themselves attending a NBA game any time soon.

There's no concrete plans set forth regarding the use of virtual reality around the NBA moving forward, but this is a nice step in the process of expanding its brand within the tech world.

Check out Vincent's other work on eDraft.com and follow him on Twitter @VincentFrankNFL.