The New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors game on May 3 on ESPN will be a part of a unique alternate broadcast, the Athletic reported on Friday. The broadcast will feature a Marvel-inspired storyline titled “Marvel’s Arena of Heroes” that will include 3D virtual characters of Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Black Widow and Doctor Strange.
A storyline in which the Avengers are looking to recruit Pelicans and Warriors players to fight alongside them against an alien army, a storyline that borders dangerously close to Space Jam’s plot.
ESPN’s news released on the broadcast added some more insight:
“Recognizing the superior physical abilities, agility, and tenacity of Earth’s greatest athletes, the Avengers will hold a series of contests where the winners earn the right to train and fight alongside them as Marvel’s Champions. The Avengers will begin their recruitment with the NBA elite and observe the battle between the Warriors and the Pelicans, focusing on three star players from each team.”
According to the release, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball will gain “Marvel Hero” points for every point, rebound, assist, steal and block while also losing points for missing field goals and free throws and turning the ball over. At game’s end, the player with the most points will be named the Marvel Champion.
Similar to this ESPN alternate broadcast, the NFL simulcast the Chicago Bears-New Orleans Saints on Nickelodeon. That broadcast featured virtual slime cannons after each touchdown and also included actual slime being dumped on the winning coach.
