Video game simulations using artificial intelligence to be presented in place of previously scheduled regular-season NBA, NHL matchups
Monumental Sports Network and NBC Sports Washington (NBCSW) will present one-hour video game simulations of previously scheduled Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) games through Take-Two Interactive’s NBA 2K20 and EA Sports’ NHL 20, respectively, beginning this weekend.
The artificial intelligence (AI) gameplay will be presented in alignment with the teams’ remaining schedules of postponed regular-season games, including opponents and dates. The matchups will be televised on NBCSW, and available via its 24/7 authenticated streaming platforms, and streamed direct-to-consumer on Monumental Sports Network via its website www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com or via any of its available apps on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Xbox.
The Wizards simulations, which begin Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m. ET with Wizards vs. Milwaukee, will be conducted through Take-Two Interactive’s NBA 2K20. The viewer experience will include the same video and audio components of NBA 2K20 gameplay, along with contributions from NBCSW’s Wizards experts surrounding the coverage.
The Capitals schedule of game simulations, using EA Sports’ NHL 20, will begin on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. ET, with a matchup of the last two Stanley Cup Champions, the Capitals vs. St. Louis. Several elements of the NHL 20 user experience will be included, but the presentations will feature commentary from NBCSW’s Capitals announcers.
“We know that fans are as disappointed as we are not to be able to watch our favorite teams on a nightly basis. We hope that these fun and engaging video game simulations will entertain our fans and help provide a greater sense of normalcy during these challenging times,” said Zach Leonsis, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and General Manager of Monumental Sports Network. “We hope that when people tune in and watch these simulated games, they will be able to enjoy some friendly competitive play from the comforts of their own home.”
“We hope this content gives fans a welcome outlet for their passion and interest in the Capitals and Wizards,” said NBCSW Senior Vice President & General Manager Damon Phillips. “If the video game version of Bradley Beal and Alex Ovechkin live up to their real-life counterparts, fans should be in for a fun experience.”
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About NBC Sports Washington:
NBC Sports Washington, part of NBC Sports Group, is the official sports network of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, NFL’s Washington Redskins and ACC. NBC Sports Washington – the leading multiplatform sports media organization serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia – delivers more than 400 live events per year, along with Emmy Award-winning news, analysis and entertainment programming. NBC Sports Washington’s digital portfolio is the region’s top source for written, video and interactive sports content. Follow the network on Twitter via @NBCSWashington, and on MyTeams and NBCSportsWashington.com.
About Monumental Sports Network:
Monumental Sports Network presented by Ticketmaster is the mid-Atlantic region’s top destination for exclusive fan experiences and original sports content across desktop, tablet, mobile and OTT streaming devices. Monumental Sports Network is owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and by NBC Sports Group. Monumental Sports Network serves as a digital platform for fans and customers in the D.C. region and around the world. MSE – Monumental Sports Network’s parent company – is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports.
