Marvel Arena of Heroes Overview

On Monday, May 3rd, 2021 ESPN and Marvel teamed up to put on the first-ever Marvel-inspired alternate broadcast on ESPN2 feauring the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans

ESPN commentators Ryan Ruocco and Richard Jefferson provideed commentary in a fully customized Marvel-themed studio at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. campus. Additionally, the special presentation included commentary and analysis from Marvel expert Angélique Roché

The telecast integrated elements from an original Marvel story and iconic characters including Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Black widow, and Dr. Strange in the form of 3D virtual characters, custom graphics and animation packages

Avengers and Player Involvement

The Avengers began their recruitment with the NBA elite and observed the battle between the Warriors and the Pelicans, focusing on three star players from each team. Each Avenger chose 1 player to keep an eye on

Golden State Warriors:

Stephen Curry- Captain Marvel

Draymond Green- Dr. Strange

Andrew Wiggins- Black Panther

New Orleans Pelicans:

Zion Williamson- Captain America

Lonzo Ball- Iron Man

Brandon Ingram- Black Widow

Each player competed for Hero Points, and the player with the most Hero Points at the end of the game was crowned Marvel’s first Arena of Heroes Champion

Players were awarded one Hero Point for every point, rebound, assist, steal and block, while they had one Hero Point deducted for every missed field goal, free-throw and turnover.

Finishing the night with 10 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists, three steals and two blocks, Draymond Green topped Steph Curry by just one Hero Point. Curry delivered another electric scoring performance with 41 points on 14-for-26 from the field, including eight makes from beyond the arc.

Each selected player from each team was turned into their very own Marvel Super Hero

In-Game Graphics

Marvel Arena of Heroes Intro Video

Draymond Green Marvel Arena of Heroes Champion Interview

Marvel Arena of Heroes Results

24% Ratings Lift to Main Broadcast. Biggest Lift for any ESPN Second Screen Broadcasts Across All Sports – ESPN

“75% of All Social Media Messages on the Marvel-themed Warriors-Pelicans Game Running Positive.” – Sports Business Journal

“The Total Teen Audience (Ages 12 – 17; 72,000 Viewers) Largest in That Demo for a NBA Game on ESPN Since Christmas Day.” – Sports Business Journal

“Thought You Would Appreciate Hearing That My 10-Year-Old Daughter, Who Loves Marvel, Watched the Tail End of the Game Tonight and said, ‘Finally! Basketball is Interesting to Watch. Tell Me When They Do It Again and I’ll Watch that.’” – Avid NBA Fan & Friend

“This Is Incredible. I Was Excited About This Game. I’ve Got Three Kids, Two That Understand Marvel and They’re Watching. I Was Really Excited About This Game and I’m Happy I Won This.” – Draymond Green