Zornitsa Vuteva Although it is a popular opinion that ‘nothing beats watching live sports in person’, VR tech is determined to show us otherwise. All the modern-day advancements of VR enable people to stream their favorite sports games in the comfort of their homes. Thanks to the high level of immersion, you feel as though you’re right on the sidelines. That’s why it’s important to know all the different avenues for watching sports in VR and attending all important sporting events regardless of your location.
Key Takeaways
- Watching sports in VR is done from the comfort of your own home, which makes it easier to stream games from every part of the world.
- VR sports apps provide live statistics analysis and player position tracking.
- Teleportation to different camera positions is now possible for the viewer as many sporting venues use VR equipment to stream ongoing games.
Can you watch sports in VR?
You can absolutely watch sports in VR – just be sure to have the right setup.
All types of sports are being made available for virtual reality technology so that you can enjoy the game from the comfort of your home. To do so, you need a VR headset, a compatible device, and the appropriate app.
Once you have these three things, you can start enjoying the games with an immersive experience that’s unlike any other.
Where to start?
To get started with watching sports in VR, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment. A reliable VR headset is a must, and tethering options are recommended for higher image quality and reduced lagging.
You’ll also need to keep track of the live sports games that you’re interested in. Depending on your headset’s specs, you could view the game through an app on the device or access other platforms through a PC VR connection.
However, not all sports have live VR streams available, so you might have to settle for VR highlights or live streams of major events only.
Apps to watch sports in VR
There are a few options to choose from when it comes to viewing live or pre-recorded sports games:
Fox News VR
You can watch live sports in VR with Fox Sports VR by downloading the app from the Oculus Store.
No matter the platform, from Samsung Gear VR to Oculus Go, Fox Sports VR allows you to watch your favorite sports like MLB, NASCAR, Soccer, NBA, UFC, NHL, Golf, and NFL.
Enjoy a VIP stadium suite for a unique experience, or teleport to different camera positions and talk with people from around the world.
Another great perk of Fox News VR is that major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup are also broadcasted in VR format.
Next VR
Next VR is a California-based company with years of experience in providing VR experiences for live entertainment and sports events. It enables you to watch live events from partners such as the NBA, Fox Sports, and Wimbledon. The company was recently acquired by Apple, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the company.
The great thing about NextVR is that you can have multiple subscriptions inside the app, so you can customize the content to your preference. Plus, if you miss the game, you can still watch it later on the app.
It is compatible with headsets from PlayStation, Oculus, HTC, Microsoft, and Lenovo. NextVR offers ‘best of moments’ clips and behind-the-scenes footage to make your experience even more immersive.
Horizon Worlds app
Meta is making a great effort to become the leading force in the virtual reality industry in all aspects. Meta Horizon Worlds is a free to download app supporting all Quest headsets, which is marketed as the go-to place for social interaction to watch live concerts, comedy nights, and sporting events in VR. Each available sporting event on the app is also free to watch. Simply load it up and scroll through the selection of sports, including basketball, baseball, and more.
Meta has partnered with Peacock, Showtime, Netflix, and ESPN to make sure there’s something for everyone to watch. Plus, its prolonged partnership with the NBA means that fans can watch 52 live games of the season for free— five of those games are presented as immersive, monoscopic 180-degree videos.
XTADIUM app
The XTADIUM app is developed by VR streaming startup YBVR, allows users to watch sports in virtual reality, and is available on Meta’s Quest Store. It streams free on-demand footage from NASCAR races, UFC events, basketball games, and tennis matches, as well as paid content from partners. Live streaming partners include beIN SPORTS XTRA channel and World Surf League, with more to be added in the future.
The user experience includes watching parties with avatar friends and eight camera angles, as well as real-time stat overlays. Meta has partnered with NASCAR to stream on-demand race recaps and condensed races in VR, and the SBJ I Factor podcast and SBJ Spotlight feature interviews with professionals in the sports industry.
VR Web Browser
You can either get a VR web browser pre-installed or download an app, such as DeoVR.
While this method can be convenient, it can have compatibility issues with certain websites. For example, Sunday Ticket blocked the use of this browser. But if you use YouTube TV or MLB.TV, you can watch the game through the web browser.
All you need to do is find the streaming platform and replicate it in the virtual web browser. This way, you can have multiple games on at once.
Remote Desktop app
Alternatively, you can watch sports in VR with a remote desktop application, such as Immersed. This app gives you access to your computer’s screen in VR, allowing you to view games with web browsers or streaming services.
You can also invite friends to join your virtual world and have control over what you watch. Immersed is a great way to watch live sports in the comfort of your own home.
With this application, you can also customize the viewing experience with different settings, such as the resolution and field of view.
Perks of watching sports in VR
You can experience the thrill of sports events from the comfort of your own home – this is the main perk that comes with watching sports in VR. Streams offer 360-degree images or at least 180-degree views, allowing you to choose your preferred viewing angle.
Apps let you teleport to different locations for a unique experience and also let you look up past player or team data, analyze live statistics, track player positions, and chat with other VR viewers. This social aspect can make the experience even more engaging.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets and traveling to the game, saving both time and money.
Conclusion
As technology continues to advance, it’s becoming easier and more accessible to watch sports in virtual reality. With a range of options available, sports fans can now experience the action as if they’re right there in the stadium.
Thanks to VR, watching sports can be an immersive and thrilling experience, which not only helps you not to miss any important games but also saves you money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Equipment Do I Need to Watch Sports in Vr?
To watch sports in virtual reality, you’ll need a VR headset, a compatible device to connect to, and an internet connection.
Are There Any Realistic Sports VR Games?
Yes, check our selection of the best sports VR games to try.
How Realistic Is the Experience of Watching Sports in VR?
The combination of immersive visuals and sound will make you feel like you’re right in the thick of the action.
Is Watching Sports in VR Safe for My Eyes?
Yes, watching sports in VR is safe for your eyes. VR headsets are designed to reduce strain and discomfort and have been tested to meet safety standards. However, it’s still important to take breaks.
