Kinopoisk is expanding its lineup of sports entertainment content and, in partnership with the VTB United League, is presenting a new show called “Good Basketball”—which explores the work of basketball referees and coaches during League games, as well as the emotions of the players during the game.
The first episode is already available to Yandex Plus subscribers. The main protagonists are the officiating crew from the UNICS vs. Zenit game, which took place on October 4 and ended with a 95–60 victory for Kazan. In addition to the referees, UNICS captain Alexey Shved provided commentary during the game.
“Good Basketball” offers viewers a new perspective on the game for the first time: the way referees, coaches, and players see and evaluate it. In the first episode, fans will spend a game day with referees Evgeny Ostrovsky, Alexey Davydov, and Stanislav Valeev—from the morning video review of the teams all the way to the final second of the game. Coping with players’ emotions, communicating with coaches, discussing critical moments in the referees’ room, and analyzing controversial situations in real time: this reveals to our fans the vibrant, emotional side of basketball that previously remained behind the scenes of broadcasts.
UNICS star Alexey Shved was unable to play in the game due to an injury, but he remained part of the action—commenting on the action on the court from the bench. His perspective on the game as an experienced basketball player added even more depth to the viewing experience.
The next episode of the show will be filmed during a WINLINE Basket Cup game on October 21. In addition to the referees, coaches and players from the competing teams will provide commentary on the Cup game.
Earlier, Kinopoisk announced the launch of a partnership with the VTB United League—all League matches this season, as well as the All-Star Game, the WINLINE Basket Cup, and the VTB United League Super Cup, are now available to Yandex Plus subscribers, both live and on demand.
