# NBA and AT&T Launch Fourth-Generation High-Speed Arena Network New fiber infrastructure upgrades aim to support massive data demands for professional basketball. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/32d94df1-1e25-409f-b1f6-bb2ac8293f9c ## Network Infrastructure Overhaul The NBA and AT&T are launching the fourth generation of their High-Speed Arena Network. This massive infrastructure project begins with the 2026-27 season and will be installed across all 30 NBA venues. The official launch of this updated system is scheduled for July 2027 to ensure readiness for future league demands. ## Technical Capacity Expansion The upgrade involves installing over 68,000 miles of AT&T fiber and entirely new networking equipment. This deployment provides four times the bandwidth compared to the existing infrastructure. These improvements are essential for handling the 118 streams of high-quality, low-latency data required for an average game, including uncompressed video at 250 megabits per second. ## Redundancy and Reliability Engineers are moving beyond simple server racks by diversifying physical entry points for fiber conduits. This strategy prevents single points of failure by ensuring data paths enter venues from multiple directions. The system now utilizes a full network architecture, allowing for greater reliability and scalability across all ingest and distribution channels during live games. ## Predictive Traffic Management AT&T has established a dedicated engineering unit to monitor network telemetry 24/7. This team utilizes predictive capacity modeling and automated traffic rerouting to bypass potential bottlenecks. These measures are critical because the league cannot afford any disruption during games, especially when multiple matches occur simultaneously across different arenas during the busy season. ## Fan Experience Integration Beyond broadcasting, the network supports the overall fan experience inside arenas. AT&T is leveraging its Turbo Live service to prioritize mobile data in highly congested environments. As fans increasingly live-stream and upload content from their seats, the network architecture has been specifically adapted to handle this high volume of outbound mobile traffic. ## Operational Media Demands Ken DeGennaro, executive vice president of media operations, highlighted the constant need for more video angles and higher frame rates. The network handles diverse content types, including live broadcast video, studio programming, and virtual signage. These streams are split for redundancy to maintain high-quality output for regional sports networks and mobile viewers. ## Partnership and Expansion Alongside the network upgrade, the NBA, WNBA, and AT&T have extended their long-term marketing partnership. AT&T remains the official connectivity partner for the NBA, WNBA, G League, and USA Basketball. Both companies are already looking ahead to outfit additional venues globally as professional basketball continues to expand its international footprint and reach. ## Strategic Future Outlook The collaboration reflects a shift from traditional broadcasting to a data-heavy digital ecosystem. By investing in fiber and automated routing, the league anticipates future technological needs that were previously unimaginable. This infrastructure serves as the foundation for the next era of fan engagement, ensuring the network scales alongside the growing popularity of basketball. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/culture/sports/nba-wnba-att-network-upgrade/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._