NBA Tipoff 2023: ESPN Christens New Era With Enhanced Tech, Other Elements To ‘Bring Fans Closer to the Game’

The broadcaster will deploy three-point tracker graphic, more mics on players

While much of the offseason buzz around ESPN’s NBA coverage has centered on the new faces in front of the camera, fans can expect plenty of excitement behind it as well. In its 22nd consecutive season, ESPN will continue to push the technological envelope on the hardcourt, including expanded use of the three-point tracker it debuted last season and more miked-up players than ever.

“We’ll be really aggressive in how we are utilizing our live-[production] resources to bring fans closer to the game,” says ESPN Head of Event & Studio Production David Roberts. “You’ll see an expanded use of the three-point tracker, and you’ll see a lot more use of players miked up during games to make sure that fans have even greater access in partnership with the NBA.”

In-Season Tournament To Feature Tech Enhancements

ESPN’s David Roberts: “This season is going to be very interesting just because of all the balance throughout the league. We’re ready to document that story.”

Without disclosing specifics, he adds that fans can expect plenty more innovation for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, which will begin on ESPN on Nov. 3.

“There will be some elements that we will announce at a later point, when we get closer to the end of the In-Season Tournament, in terms of technology and innovation, so stay tuned for that,” Roberts says. “We have comprehensive coverage plans. You’ll also see In-Season Tournament elements and coverage on digital, linear, radio, everywhere we have a platform that’s going to be talking about the NBA.”

To ensure that fans understand what the In-Season Tournament entails, ESPN will roll out a series of vignettes featuring analyst Richard Jefferson throughout the season. Viewers will also see In-Season Tournament segments within every studio show, and the pregame show will be extended from 30 to 90 minutes for the Tournament Finals.

“It’s something that we’re going to be behind all the way because it provides fans with another reason, once Opening Week is over, from Nov. 3 right through Dec. 9, to have a continued elevation of interest in the NBA,” says Roberts. “We’re looking forward to it, and it’s something new. Just like the play-in was, it’s going to be something that fans will embrace, and we’ll make sure that they understand how important this is to the overall sport.”

New Voices Behind the Mic, Marquee Games on Screen

As for the broadcast crew, analysts Doc Rivers and Doris Burke have joined play-by-play caller Mike Breen to form the new lead commentator team along with sideline reporter Lisa Salters. In addition, play-by-play voice Ryan Ruocco joins analysts JJ Redick and Jefferson as ESPN’s second core NBA broadcast team. Other voices behind the mic will include play-by-play callers Mark Jones and Dave Pasch along with Hubie Brown (celebrating his 50th NBA season) and former Golden State Warriors exec Bob Myers, a new addition to the squad.

“The new talent has been impressive in the preseason,” says Roberts. “We have a good, diverse lineup of NBA analysts and voices who will help document what will be a truly great season.”

In addition to a minimum of eight In-Season Tournament games, ESPN and ABC’s 100-game slate is highlighted by five games on Christmas, two Opening Week doubleheaders, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, NBA Sunday Showcase on ABC, and Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday games.

It all kicks off tonight live from Madison Square Garden when the New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics at 7 p.m. ET, followed by top NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama’s debut with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 p.m.

“This season is going to be a very interesting season just because of all the balance throughout the league,” says Roberts. “We’re ready to document that story, which is going to be a season-long series of great storytelling throughout the year.”