Home
News
You are here

Heading to a basketball game? AT&T has something new for you

AT&T's latest innovation could make basketball games more enjoyable for everyone.

By Polina Kovalakova

Published: Oct 20, 2026, 2:25 AM

AT&T Wireless service

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

AT&T's continued focus on live events is expanding. | Image by PhoneArena

AT&T is doubling down on basketball, delivering faster, latency-free distribution of live game content like highlights and stats to everyone. The carrier has expanded its partnership with the NBA and the WNBA, delivering quality service to fans and business partners alike.

AT&T launches fourth-gen HSAN

AT&amp;T and NBA's partnership strengthens. | Image by Credit without punctuation goes here - Heading to a basketball game? AT&T has something new for you

AT&T and NBA's partnership strengthens. | Image by Credit without punctuation goes here

On October 19, AT&T, the NBA and the WNBA jointly announced the launch of the fourth-generation High-Speed Arena Network (HSAN). As the latest evolution of the connectivity platform, the advanced network is designed to deliver faster and more reliable distribution of live game content, replays, highlights, stats, and more.

The new HSAN version relies on over 68,000 miles of fiber and network infrastructure. Its main purpose will be transporting over 118 concurrent, low-latency streams per game. The improved network will support the 2027-28 NBA season.

AT&T also continues to sponsor the Slam Dunk contest at the NBA All-Star, which began in 2019. Additionally, fans can also use AT&T Turbo Live at select NBA arenas regardless of their mobile carrier. With Turbo Live, basketball fans get prioritized connectivity on AT&T's network throughout the game.

Today's fans follow the game across live broadcasts, replays, highlights, social media and NBA digital platforms. 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.

Kellyn Smith Kenny, chief marketing & growth officer, AT&T, October 2026

What frustrates you the most during a packed live event?

0 Votes

Boosting experiences

The Big Three have long focused on optimizing fan experiences across different events. T-Mobile, for instance, announced its Dynamic CX, delivering AI-powered technology to keep people connected during major live events back in June.

T‑Mobile has decades of experience supporting America’s connectivity during some of the world’s largest events, and we’re constantly evolving how the network responds to moments of high demand.

John Saw, Chief Technology Officer, T‑Mobile, June 2026

By itself, AT&T's fourth-gen HSAN certainly isn't really groundbreaking. Still, it's another step toward improving how game content is distributed and consumed.

With that in mind, it'll be curious to see how the new underdog, SpaceX, approaches this area. To become truly competitive, the satellite-based mobile service provider will need to demonstrate it can deliver reliable and fast connectivity in crowded areas while ensuring a seamless streaming experience during live events.

All the benefits, simplified

AT&amp;T's HSAN brings NBA content to everyone interested. | Image by PohneArena - Heading to a basketball game? AT&T has something new for you

AT&T's HSAN brings NBA content to everyone interested. | Image by PohneArena

Everything sounds great and all, but do fans actually benefit from AT&T's fourth-generation HSAN? Absolutely. While they may never see it in action, they benefit from what the network enables.

With it, basketball content moves more quickly throughout the league, and it also supports digital experiences. That means broadcasts, replays, and more, come to you faster, regardless of whether you watch the game in the arena or at home.

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.

Kerry Tatlock, EVP Global Marketing Partnerships and Media, NBA, October 2026

More than basketball

While I'm not a huge fan of basketball, I can see how AT&T's continued focus on improving its HSAN can benefit the sport. It's not just about sponsorships, either: initiatives like this one show just how network infrastructure can improve content delivery and create better experiences for everyone interested.

More carrier news you wouldn't want to miss:

$10 /mo

$35

$25 off (71%)

Mint Mobile is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a special offer on its six-month subscription plans. For a limited time, you can get your preferred tier (6GB, 17GB, 23GB or unlimited) for just $10/mo. That saves you between 50% and 71% on the carrier's mobile plans, making it way easier to recommend.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Polina Kovalakova, a News and Affiliate Content Writer, has nurtured a passion for mobile technology since the era before smartphones. With a history of exploring a variety of devices, her insights into the mobile world are both broad and nuanced. Polina's non-partisan view extends to appreciating nearly every smartphone brand, a reflection of her open-minded approach to technology. Polina is equally passionate about uncovering the best online deals, tirelessly working to ensure her readers snag top-tier tech at unbeatable prices.

Read the latest from Polina Kovalakova