Kobe Bryant may soon be jumping directly out on the TV and into your living room (insert joke here), when ESPN begins to air live NBA games in 3D. The schedule of games that will broadcast was released today.
ESPN has announced that the first NBA game will feature the New York Knicks against the Miami Heat, live from Madison Square Garden on December 17. The next game to air in 3D will be after the New Year, on January 14, when the Portland Trailblazers head to Phoenix.
The final game aired in 3D will be one of the Western Conference Finals games. No word on whether or not the Finals will be aired in 3D, but that is likely a separate negotiation between ESPN and the NBA.
ESPN has been among the most active proponents of broadcasting 3D. It aired several World Cup games in 3D, the October 16 college football game between Ohio State and Wisconsin will air in 3D and the 2011 BCS National Championship game will also be seen on ESPN3D, which is carried by Comcast, DirecTV, AT&T and several others. You will of course, still need a 3D TV.
Fri, Dec 17 7 p.m. Miami at New York
Fri, Jan 14 10:30 p.m. Portland at Phoenix
Fri, Jan 21 10:30 p.m. Los Angeles (Lakers) at Denver
Fri, Feb 11 8 p.m. Los Angeles (Lakers) at New York
Fri, Feb 25 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Orlando
Fri, Mar 4 7 p.m. Chicago at Orlando
Wed, Mar 16 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Miami
Fri, Apr 1 8 p.m. Boston at Atlanta
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (First Round)
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (First Round)
TBD TBD NBA Playoffs (Conference Semifinals)
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals
TBD TBD Western Conference Finals