AT&T, the NBA and WNBA launched the fourth generation of the High-Speed Arena Network on Sunday, extending a connectivity partnership that began in 2018. The network upgrade will move live game broadcasts, highlights, replays and statistics across more than 68,000 miles of AT&T fiber infrastructure.
The new system can support more than 118 concurrent, high-quality, low-latency video streams per game, designed to handle the millions of hours of basketball consumption during the 2027-28 NBA season. The upgrade represents the latest step in what the leagues call their “connectivity backbone,” the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that delivers content to fans across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
“Today’s fans follow the game across live broadcasts, replays, highlights, social media and NBA digital platforms,” said Kellyn Smith Kenny, AT&T’s chief marketing and growth officer. “Together with the NBA, AT&T is helping build the connectivity foundation that moves game content quickly and reliably across the league, so fans can stay closer to the moments that matter wherever they are watching.”
The network connects arenas, production facilities, data centers and media partners across the basketball ecosystem. It carries not only live video but also replays, statistics, audio feeds and other content needed for broadcasts, digital experiences and in-arena entertainment.
The partnership extension also continues AT&T’s sponsorships across both leagues. The company will maintain its role as Official Connectivity Partner of the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and USA Basketball. As a WNBA Changemaker, AT&T’s branding will remain on all WNBA team jerseys and the company will continue as title partner of the WNBA All-Star game.
Kerry Tatlock, executive vice president of global marketing partnerships and media for the NBA, said: “For nearly a decade, AT&T has helped us connect with fans in new and innovative ways, and we’re excited to expand our partnership to leverage their next-generation network for HSAN to deepen that connection. Together, we look forward to building experiences that bring fans closer to the NBA in ways that are personalized and customized for each fan.”
AT&T and the NBA will debut new fan experiences around American Express NBA Tip-Off, including exclusive access moments and original content throughout the season. The company will also continue sponsoring specific NBA teams and players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-time NBA MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I’ve always appreciated how basketball brings together different communities, cultures and creativity,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Through my relationship with AT&T and experiences like ShaiT&T, we’re creating new ways for fans to connect with the game while celebrating the stories and culture that make basketball so special. I’m excited to keep building on that this season.”
For the WNBA, AT&T’s continued investment comes as the league experiences what officials describe as historic growth. The company maintains partnerships with players including A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces center and five-time WNBA MVP, and Sabrina Ionescu.
“AT&T has been an integral partner in the WNBA’s growth, helping us reach new fans and elevate the experience for our players, teams, and communities,” said Colie Edison, the WNBA’s chief growth officer. “As our inaugural WNBA Changemaker, we look forward to continuing our work together to drive innovation, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation of players and fans.”
At select NBA arenas, AT&T also operates Turbo Live, a service that provides fans with prioritized network connectivity regardless of their wireless carrier, allowing them to stream, share and stay connected during games.