Marques Brownlee
May 28, 2026
The Technology Behind Live NBA Broadcasts
TL;DR
NBA broadcasts require 40-50 cameras, specialized lenses, and a fleet of mobile trucks with live editing teams to deliver seamless real-time multi-camera footage to millions of viewers.
Key Takeaways
- 1Sony P50 broadcast cameras paired with Canon 122x optical zoom lenses ($200,000 total) require significant skill to track action, focus, and zoom simultaneously
- 2A cable cam rig with Ronin 2 gimbal transmits video wirelessly to operators who coordinate 3D camera movement and focus in real time for sweeping intro shots
- 340-50 cameras positioned throughout the arena capture different angles from floor level to above-rim perspectives, plus multiple microphones for ball sounds, squeakers, and crowd noise
- 4Six broadcast trucks stationed 200 yards away house the live production control room where directors cut together live multi-camera feeds, manage audio mixing, and coordinate replays in real time
- 5EVS replay controllers enable operators to scrub through footage at up to 180fps and modulate playback speed for perfectly-timed slow-motion replays seconds after they happen
- 6A team of engineers, directors, and camera operators collaborate live to produce 48 minutes of finished broadcast-quality content per game without scripting or post-production
- 7Specialized gear like steadicams with ergonomic weight distribution, remote-controlled dome cameras, and hidden floor microphones capture intimate player moments and ambient arena sound
Notable Quotes
“It is a lot of reps and practice and skill to be able to perfectly track the ball and keep it center frame and rack focus and zoom in and out at the same time.”
“Intuitive to learn, difficult to master.”
“48 minutes of live unscripted multi-cam footage being delivered as a finished product as it's happening.”
“If it's done right, if it's done really, really well, you don't even really think about it once.”
Chapters
1. The Skill Behind Tracking Shots
Explains the complexity of manually tracking basketball action using Sony P50 cameras with Canon 122x zoom lenses, including focus racking and zoom control simultaneously.
2. Broadcast Cameras Around the Arena
Details the 6-camera main bank on swiveling chairs (wide, tight, two player ISOs, coach, and mobile vertical) that capture primary game action.
3. Cable Cam and Signature Intro Shots
Describes the aerial cable camera rig mounted on a Ronin 2 gimbal, wirelessly controlled by two operators to create iconic sweeping shots from arena top to court.
4. Stanchion-Mounted Cameras and Microphones
Explores the variety of broadcast, professional, and press cameras mounted at the basket stanchion, including close-up audio capture of sneaker squeaks and player interactions.
5. Steadicam and Additional Coverage
Highlights the dynamic steadicam operator running courtside during timeouts, plus remote-controlled dome cameras for referee communication and 40-50 total cameras across the arena.
6. Broadcast Trucks and Live Production
Reveals six mobile trucks positioned 200 yards away containing the live control room where engineers white balance, mix audio, and directors cut real-time multi-camera feeds.
7. Live Replay and EVS Control Systems
Explains how EVS controllers allow replay operators to scrub through 180fps footage and modulate playback speed for seamless slow-motion replays delivered seconds after action.
8. The Art of Live Sports Storytelling
Reflects on the orchestrated effort required to produce 48 minutes of live, unscripted, multi-camera broadcast content comparable to a Hollywood production but delivered in real time.
Key People & Entities
- Sony
- Manufacturer of P50 broadcast cameras used throughout NBA arenas
- Canon
- Lens manufacturer providing 122x and 14x zoom lenses paired with broadcast cameras
- EVS
- Manufacturer of broadcast control systems used for replay management in truck production
- DJI Ronin 2
- Motorized gimbal used to stabilize and control the cable camera rig
- NBC
- Broadcast partner that provided behind-the-scenes access for this demonstration
- San Antonio Spurs
- NBA team whose playoff game was used to showcase broadcast technology
- Dallas Taylor
- YouTuber who created detailed video about audio engineering in NBA broadcasts
Glossary
- ISO shot
- An isolated camera feed dedicated to capturing a single subject (player or coach) that can be cut to on demand during broadcast
- Rack focus
- Technique of shifting focus between different distances/subjects within a frame while keeping all in sharp focus
- Cable cam
- A camera suspended by cables across a venue that can move in 3D space for dynamic aerial shots
- Gimbal (Ronin 2)
- Motorized stabilization device that keeps cameras steady during movement and allows smooth panning
- Global shutter
- Camera sensor technology that captures all pixels simultaneously, eliminating rolling shutter distortion
- Servo motors
- Precision motors used in camera lenses to control zoom and focus movements with high accuracy
- White balancing
- Adjusting camera color settings so that white appears white under different lighting conditions, ensuring consistent color across multiple cameras
- Steadicam
- Wearable mechanical stabilizer that allows camera operators to move freely while keeping video smooth and stable
- EVS replay controller
- Professional broadcast control device with jog wheel and lever used to scrub and modulate playback speed of recorded footage