Marvel Is Teaming Up With ESPN For A Live NBA Game Featuring An 'Avengers' Storyline

The Avengers need heroes. There’s a looming threat that is going to endanger the world, and the superhero group needs new recruits. So, where should Iron Man and Black Panther look for new blood? Well, the upcoming NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans, naturally. Wait…what?!

According to Variety, Disney is using some in-house brand synergy to combine the sports world of ESPN with the Marvel-y goodness of the ‘Avengers’ films for a one-of-a-kind NBA telecast dubbed “Marvel’s Arena of Heroes.” Marketing jargon out of the way, it’s basically an NBA game that will feature a little Avengers storyline.

READ MORE: ‘The Falcon & The Winter Solider’ Finale: The Power Broker Reveal Is Actually This Safe Episode’s Most Complex Choice [Review]

How it’s going to work is that the game will be happening, and during the telecast, Disney will add 3D characters, animation packages, and customized graphics that are Marvel-focused and will tell a small story about Iron Man and Black Panther needing to recruit new heroes to help fight an incoming invasion. Joining in on the fun will also be Captain Marvel, Captain America, Black Widow, and Doctor Strange. Yes, this is a head-scratcher in a bunch of different ways.

“The new ‘Marvel’s Arena of Heroes’ telecast will be the first of its kind to bring Marvel’s storytelling directly to the real-time experience of a NBA game, and we are excited for fans to be able to watch their favorite players through the lens of Marvel’s mightiest heroes,” said Mike Pasciullo, vice president, marketing and communications, Marvel Entertainment.

READ MORE: Russell Crowe Reveals He’s Playing Zeus In ‘Thor: Love & Thunder’ Making Way For Olympians In The MCU

Interestingly, the regular NBA telecast hosts will be joined by Marvel’s Angélique Roché, who will provide superhero analysis. You know, because that’s a thing that needs to happen during an NBA game, right?

Look, there are no two ways around this—a Marvel-inspired NBA telecast is weird. It’s a strange, mind-boggling idea. But it might be super entertaining. Either it’s going to be fun and everyone wins, or it’ll be a cringe-fest, which you won’t want to look away from.

“Marvel’s Arena of Heroes” is set to air on May 3.