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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Nba Introduces Internet Site

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Fans who can’t get enough NBA action in person or on television, can now dribble through the Internet.

Starting today, the NBA will move full-force into the computer age with its own Internet web site, where fans can find daily updates on their favorite teams, video and audio clips of nightly action, as well as a storehouse of statistics and order forms for licensed merchandise.

In a partnership with Bellevue-based Starwave, Paul Allen’s online company, the NBA site promises to have all the latest news and notes from around the league, including scores, standings, schedules and features on players and teams.

All teams also have their own “Home Courts” for rosters, player biographies and arena seating charts.

It’s no coincidence that the NBA linked with Starwave and Allen, who owns the Portland Trail Blazers. Starwave’s ESPNET already has an NBA section, and the company has proven it can keep up with the demand for daily sports information.

“They had shown through their work on ESPNET SportsZone that they were one of the premier web site developers in the world, if not the best,” said NBA interactive programming manager Jamie Rosenberg.

Eventually, the site will offer live broadcasts of games as well as video clips of some of the greatest plays in the history of basketball.

“This is the ultimate living resource for fans and media around the world to find out about the NBA, our teams, our players, our special events and our broadcasts,” Rosenberg said.

The site has only been opened for media and NBA teams to preview, and the only criticism has been that it contains virtually no material critical of the league, its players or coaches. But Rosenberg said that was not the intent of the new product.

Computer users who have access to the Internet may access the web site for free. Access to the site also is available through ESPNET.

The Internet address is http://www.nba.com.