LA Clippers Launch Dedicated 'ClipperVision' Streaming Service

Todd Bishop, GeekWire
Todd Bishop is GeekWire's co-founder and editor, a longtime technology journalist who covers subjects including cloud tech, e-commerce, virtual reality, devices, apps and tech giants such as Amazon.com, Apple, Microsoft and Google. Follow him @toddbishop, email todd@geekwire.com, or call (206) 294-6255.
Honey Clippers jersey
LA Tech Darling Honey Will Adorn Clippers Jerseys This Year

A new streaming service unveiled by the LA Clippers this morning reflects the philosophy of the franchise’s chairman, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, about the role the NBA and its teams should play in shaping the digital viewing experience.

“We need to define the future of watching basketball,” Ballmer said in an interview with GeekWire. “We’ll always do a better job of that than any distribution partner. Whether we distribute directly or through an ESPN or a TNT or an Amazon, or whoever gets into the business of distributing these things, the experience that makes this the best basketball possible will come, I believe, from our league.”

Called ClipperVision, the new service costs $199.99 per year. Available only to viewers in the Los Angeles market, it will provide access to all the team’s games except those broadcast nationally.

The strategy is the sports equivalent of a retail brand selling directly to consumers as an alternative to traditional distribution channels, establishing a tighter connection to their customers or fans.

However, the new Clippers’ service will also grapple with a growing trend of subscription fatigue as consumers become weary of all the monthly services needed to access different slices of content.

Nonetheless, , Ballmer said the approach reflects ongoing trends in media consumption.

“I think the world’s going to mass personalization, mass customization,” he said, explaining that he sees no reason to fight that trend. “Every other aspect of content is going that direction.”

The ability to stream games in the LA area is a major difference from the NBA’s $99.99/year League Pass, which doesn’t let fans watch games in their local markets due to restrictions built into regional TV deals.

Enabled by New TV Contract

For the Clippers, Ballmer said, gaining the ability to launch the service was a “fundamental part” of the team’s recent contract renewal with Bally Sports, which distributes Clippers games and is also launching its own streaming service.

ClipperVision is built on the NBA’s NextGen platform and other shared technologies, with a “clear path” for other teams to launch their own services if they wish, using their own variations on the approach, Ballmer said.

Bally Sports, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, also holds the television rights to more than 20 other teams as part of its regional sports networks. Ballmer declined to speculate when asked if other NBA teams would use the Clippers’ new contract as a blueprint for their own renegotiations.

ClipperVision offers six viewing modes, including the team’s CourtVision augmented reality experience; Korean- and Spanish-language streams; and a live commentary mode called BallerVision, featuring former Clippers players such as Jamal Crawford, Baron Davis, and Paul Pierce, with guest appearances by Ballmer and celebrities.

BallerVision - Clippersyoutu.be

At launch, ClipperVision also comes with a special perk, a limited edition team jacket exclusive to subscribers. Ballmer said it was important to include something “physical and tangible” with the service.

One long-term goal is to unify user accounts across digital and in-person experiences.

“If you want to buy merchandise, or you’re coming into the arena, we already know you, and want to make your experience as personal as possible,” Ballmer said.

Like this year’s closely watched Clippers team, led by star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the organization’s new streaming service is many years in the making.

Evolution of Sports Viewing

Ballmer said he has been thinking about the potential for bringing new levels of interactivity to sports viewing since he was Microsoft CEO. He pointed out that the Microsoft Surface sponsorship deal with the NFL had its origins in talks about interactive Xbox viewing experiences that didn’t pan out at the time.

He was able to explore his ideas further after buying the Clippers for $2 billion in 2014. Ballmer and the Clippers worked with tech company Second Spectrum to launch the CourtVision experience four years ago, with stats, animations and other graphics overlayed on screen in near real-time.

One advantage of the new direct-to-consumer streaming service, Ballmer said, will be the ability to add new capabilities in the future. He cited the hypothetical example of gamifying the experience as something that would be harder in a distribution scenario.

At the same time, the Clippers are still investing heavily in the future of in-person viewing. The team’s new 18,000-person arena, the Intuit Dome, is set to launch for the 2024-25 season in Inglewood, Calif.

In the long run, Ballmer said ClipperVision could become a meaningful source of income for the team, but the bigger priority for now is to control its own destiny in the distribution of content.

Cord-Cutting Continues, and the Metaverse expands

Ballmer is leaning into a broader trend in the way sports fans consume entertainment on small screens. In July 2022, opinion analytics platform Civic Science reported “that of the people who use a sports streaming service, 73% have cut the cord on cable or satellite television.” Watching sports is one big reason behind cord-cutting, according to Civic Science, but many viewers still prefer other streaming services over satellite and cable services, even if they have no interest in sports.

Meanwhile, teams in other sports are striking out with their own singular digital enterprises. The Los Angeles Kings dove headfirst into the metaverse in early 2022 with immersive, VR-friendly video packages, and the St. Louis Blues launched a metaverse shopping experience. In June this year, Los Angeles Lakers icon Earvin Magic Johnson invested in SimWin Sports—an NFT-backed digital sports league made up of virtual teams and athletes playing simulated games. The league hasn’t launched yet but continues to acquire capital and celebrity team owners like Backstreet Boy Nick Carter.

Even though consumers keep cord-cutting in favor of streaming, a recent Nielsen survey indicated 46% of viewers sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of available entertainment choices. So—if the Clippers are at the leading edge of a trend that will see more organizations creating dedicated pro team streaming channels as well as establishing metaverse presences, there’s a danger of it all becoming too much of a good thing.

This article first appeared on GeekWire. Steve Huff contributed additional material for publication on dot.LA.

OpenAI's $6.6B Power Play: The Future of AI Just Got a Massive Boost 💰🚀
Image Source: Open AI - Sam Altman

🔦 Spotlight

OpenAI is making some exciting moves! The company just completed a massive $6.6 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $157 billion. Thrive Capital led the charge, with big names like Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund also joining in. This investment will allow OpenAI to further scale its operations and advance AI technologies like GPT-4 across various sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and business.

But that’s not the only exciting news. OpenAI has also secured an additional$1 billion credit facility, giving the company even more financial flexibility to execute its ambitious growth plans. This safety net ensures that OpenAI has the resources to scale safely and effectively while continuing to lead the AI space.

AI is becoming integral to industries worldwide, and OpenAI’s products—like ChatGPT—are seeing rapid adoption. From education to enterprise solutions, the company is driving significant advancements in how AI is integrated into everyday life.

Following Microsoft’s $10 billion investment earlier this year, this latest round underscores the market’s confidence in OpenAI’s potential. With its strong focus on responsible AI deployment and ethical scaling, the company is set to shape the future of AI in a way that benefits a broad range of industries and addresses global challenges.

As AI evolves, OpenAI remains dedicated to pushing boundaries while ensuring that its innovations prioritize safety, scalability, and social impact. Keep an eye on this space—big things are on the horizon!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Impulse Space, a Redondo Beach-based company specializing in in-space transportation services, raised $150M in Series B funding led by Founders Fund, bringing its total funding to $225M, to expand its team and advance production of its Helios and Mira vehicles. - learn more
  • Nusano has secured over $115M in Series C financing, led by The Wasatch Group, to accelerate the commercialization of its radioisotope production technology, aimed at improving cancer treatment and medical diagnostics. - learn more
  • Future Trash, a multidisciplinary creative studio, has raised a $5M Seed funding round from TIRTA and General Catalyst to develop original intellectual property (IP) within Fortnite, focusing on building unique in-game content and experiences. - learn more
  • XType, the leading software company for multi-instance management on the ServiceNow platform, has raised a $21M Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners to accelerate innovation and expand its platform capabilities on the ServiceNow platform. - learn more
  • 3Laws Robotics, a robotics company focused on building AI-powered platforms to enhance the safety, security, and operational efficiency of robotic systems, has raised a $4.1M Seed funding round led by TenOneTen Ventures. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Watertower Ventures participated in the $8M Series A funding round for DocJuris, a leader in AI-based contract review and negotiation software that automates key tasks to streamline the contract process for enterprise teams and general counsels. - learn more
  • Progression Fund participated in a $3.7M Seed funding round for Permanent, a company focused on advancing sustainable agriculture by developing solutions that improve soil health and productivity. - learn more


LA Exits

  • Loom, an educational community platform that empowers women by providing comprehensive resources on reproductive health, sexual wellness, and parenting education, has been acquired by women's health brand Perelel, marking a significant expansion in the women's health and wellness sector. - learn more

Download the dot.LA App

⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

Get Real-Time Alerts

Image Source: MyRadar

FEMA App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
  • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
  • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
  • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
  • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
  • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
  • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
  • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
  • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
  • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
  • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Image Source: Life360

While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

Nextdoor
  • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
  • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
WhatsApp
  • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
  • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
  • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
  • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse – Share Your Location
  • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
  • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
  • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
  • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Mobile

Image Source: PlugShare

For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

GasBuddy
  • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
  • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
  • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
  • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Traditional Preparedness Tips

In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

  • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
  • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

  • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
  • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

Download the dot.LA App

Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

🔦 Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

$822,000 (1/8th ownership)

5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

$755,000 (1/8th ownership)

4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

View Here

Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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