> At a Glance
> – Jan. 9 Lakers-Bucks game debuts Apple Vision Pro NBA experience
> – $3,499 headset gets six more Lakers games this season
> – 150Mbps 3D streams require Spectrum SportsNet or NBA ID
> Why it matters: First major US sports league in VR could define the device’s killer app
Starting Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT, courtside seats move from Crypto.com Arena to your living room-provided you own Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro. Apple and Spectrum will stream seven Lakers games in immersive 3D this season, beginning with the Lakers vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup.
How the VR Broadcast Works
Custom Blackmagic Ursa Cine Immersive rigs will film from seven floor-level angles:
- Scorer’s table
- Under each basket
- High and wide arena views
- Player tunnel
- Broadcast booth
- Roaming courtside cam
Footage streams at up to 150 Mbps and remains replayable for three days inside the new Spectrum SportsNet app on Vision Pro.
Who Can Watch
Live access splits along service lines:
- Spectrum SportsNet subscribers or Spectrum Internet customers inside Lakers territory stream live
- Free NBA ID holders worldwide get live games, full replays, and highlights through the NBA app
Supported countries include the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and UAE.
Full Lakers VR Schedule
| Date | Time PT | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Bucks @ Lakers |
| Feb. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | 76ers @ Lakers |
| Feb. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | Clippers @ Lakers |
| Mar. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Lakers @ Nuggets |
| Mar. 10 | 8:00 p.m. | Timberwolves @ Lakers |
| Mar. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | Wizards @ Lakers |
What This Means for Vision Pro
CNET VR editor Scott Stein calls the headset “the most advanced standalone VR/AR device,” but notes its price keeps it niche. Analyst Max Weinbach sees the Lakers partnership as a testbed for Apple Immersive Video rather than a sales driver.
Key Takeaways
- First regular live sports in Apple Immersive Video starts Jan. 9
- Seven Lakers games total, all replayable for 72 hours
- Spectrum handles live regional streams; NBA app covers global replays
- Experience demands $3,499 Vision Pro plus Spectrum or NBA ID
Whether this becomes the killer app Apple needs or remains a high-priced experiment, Friday night sets a new bar for how fans can watch live basketball.
