Microsoft Teams-powered virtual fans shown off at Lakers game

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Some awkward waves surrounded the LA Lakers as they warmed up for a scrimmage this weekend.

Microsoft Teams Together Mode Nba
Microsoft Teams Together Mode Nba (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • Virtual fans were shown off in the stands of an NBA practice recently.
  • The experience is powered by Microsoft Teams Together Mode.
  • Microsoft and the NBA announced the feature last week.

Lakers beat writer Tania Ganguli shared a clip of the virtual fans during the LA Lakers' warmup on Saturday.

The virtual fans are visible to the players, which is a different virtual approach than coverage of MLB baseball is taking. Fox added virtual fans to a game over the weekend, but the fans were only visible on television. The NBA's approach allows human fans to interact with the players and cheer in real time, though it looks less natural on TV than the Fox viewing experience of MLB games.

The NBA virtual fan experience is new and seems like it needs some tweaks to appear more natural. The fans don't have a uniform camera setup, so some people appear to be different sizes than others. Some fans also have their hands cut off, so it appears like their hands are appearing and disappearing as they cheer.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.