ESPN and Marvel have forged a decade-long super tandem. The two companies announced a new content collaboration deal that starts with an alternate presentation of the Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans game on Monday, May 3.
NBA Special Edition Presented by State Farm: Marvel’s Arena of Heroes starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Ryan Ruocco and Richard Jefferson are on the call from a Marvel-themed studio at ESPN.
“We are thrilled to work alongside ESPN and Marvel to present fans with the first-ever Marvel-inspired alternate NBA telecast,” said David Denenberg, NBA senior vice president, global media distribution & business affairs. “This fun and innovative game presentation builds upon our goal of providing personalized and compelling viewing options for our fans.”
This is the second NBA game to broadcast on ESPN+ and continues the relationship between the two Disney-owned companies. The broadcast centers around a storyline involving various Marvel properties. The production feeds all of this into the broadcast with graphics, interactive features, and 3D virtual characters.
Three players from each team are rewarded with “Marvel Hero Points” throughout the game. The trio with the highest score is crowned Marvel’s first champion.
“Marvel and ESPN have brought the worlds of sports and Super Heroes together for years through comics, documentaries, and other stories celebrating athletes and their extraordinary abilities,” said Mike Pasciullo, vice president, marketing and communications, Marvel Entertainment. “The new Marvel’s Arena of Heroes telecast will be the first of its kind to bring Marvel’s storytelling directly to the real-time experience of a NBA game, and we are excited for fans to be able to watch their favorite players through the lens of Marvel’s mightiest heroes.”
Fans can find the traditional broadcast of the game on ESPN. Dave Pasch, analyst Mark Jackson, and reporter Cassidy Hubbarth will be on the ESPN call.