WASHINGTON, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The National Basketball Association (NBA) on Thursday announced a strategic partnership and equity stake with NEX Team Inc., a leading mobile artificial intelligence company.

The company is the developer of HomeCourt, a mobile basketball training application that uses advanced machine learning and computer vision to unlock potential in every player.

The partnership will leverage HomeCourt's technology to develop and train players at all skill levels and will be an integral part of the NBA's youth basketball development initiatives around the world.

By giving players everywhere access to HomeCourt's technology, the NBA has the opportunity to identify and discover basketball talent globally with just a mobile phone.

Launched in July 2018, HomeCourt combines proven training concepts with advanced artificial intelligence to provide real-time analytics that help players of any skill level advance their game.

HomeCourt calculates shot accuracy, progress over time, and key performance metrics such as speed, vertical jump, release time and ball handling. Most importantly, HomeCourt creates an entirely new basketball experience that is fun, engaging, and accessible.

"We are incredibly proud to be partnering with the NBA to bring the HomeCourt experience to a global basketball audience," said David Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of NEX Team.

"Together, we look forward to designing innovative experiences that bring together the digital and physical worlds that will build community and engage basketball players at every level, everywhere."

With the HomeCourt app, players will feel like they are in their own real-world video game. Along with original HomeCourt drills, contests, and challenges, players of all ages and levels will be able to compete in NBA-themed challenges and share their progress with the app's global basketball community.

HomeCourt will offer three NBA challenges, including a shooting contest, ball handling contest, and achievement badges. Additional interactive training drills, challenges and joint initiatives will be developed in partnership with the NBA and its teams during key events throughout the NBA season.

"As professional basketball players, we know how important it is to have the right training tools and basketball knowledge to fully develop your game," said two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.