GameTime Expands Broadcast For Athletes Unlimited Basketball

GameTime Productions has expanded its technical production for Athletes Unlimited Basketball during the league's February season in Nashville, delivering an 18-camera broadcast for the 24-game event.

Working alongside sister company Live Media, the production took place at Municipal Auditorium, with games streamed nationally on ESPN+ and the WNBA App, as well as broadcast over-the-air in four Tennessee markets.

Now in its second season producing the event, GameTime significantly scaled up its technical approach, increasing from 11 cameras in year one to 18. The expanded setup included hard cameras, handheld units, PTZ systems and dedicated positions for isolated shots and talent reactions, enabling more detailed coverage and analysis.

The production also introduced enhanced replay and analysis tools, including telestration systems for real-time breakdowns. "We set up our camera complement allowing for unique inside-the-game breakdown and analysis," said Patricia Lowry.

A key feature of the broadcast was a bespoke scorebug and data dashboard developed in collaboration with the league, designed to support Athletes Unlimited's unique format where players accumulate individual points rather than competing as fixed teams. The system integrated live data feeds to deliver real-time updates on player performance, leaderboards and statistics.

Among the most visible additions was a newly built elevated “floating booth” inside the arena, an idea led by Cheri Kempf. The 20-by-22-foot space featured a studio area for interviews, interactive elements and monitors with telestration capabilities to enhance storytelling during live coverage.

The production also introduced new audience engagement features, including "chair chats", where players joined the broadcast live from the bench, as well as expanded use of wireless microphones for on-air talent, players and coaches.

For Kempf, the collaboration reflects a broader partnership approach. "We did not want a passive packager," Kempf said. "We look for a packaging partner that brings something to the table from a collaborative standpoint. This endeavor was the perfect example of that. Pat Lowry and the entire GameTime team enabled us to take an aggressive and unique approach to our Basketball season."

GameTime continues to support Athletes Unlimited across multiple sports, combining onsite production with remote workflows from Nashville-based control rooms and a growing local crew network.

As the season concluded on March 1, the expanded production underscored a shared focus on innovation in women's sports broadcasting. "We are always looking for this type of relationship when we look at packaging and producing our shows," Kempf said. "GameTime and their partners have just been spectacular in offering the utmost professionalism throughout all aspects of their work."