NBA tests smart basketballs and referee wearables in preseason exhibition games
The NBA is running two separate technology pilots in select preseason exhibition games, according to ESPN reporting. One trial uses Wilson basketballs embedded with Bluetooth sensors to collect ball-tracking data, though that data is strictly for research and the league has not confirmed what data points will be captured or what accuracy standards apply. The second experiment equips on-court referees with wrist-worn devices that connect directly to the NBA Replay Center for use during replay reviews, scoring corrections, and clock issues. Neither technology is approved for regular-season play, no deployment timeline has been announced, and no rule changes are in place to govern how sensor data might interact with officiating decisions.
The ball data is strictly for research purposes, according to ESPN reporting.
Why it matters
For service providers: Player and league stakeholders evaluating officiating consistency will want to watch how the league establishes reliability and override standards before either tool reaches competitive play.
For coaches: Officiating speed and accuracy directly affect game outcomes, so coaches should monitor whether wearable-assisted replay coordination meaningfully reduces review delays.
For media: Broadcasters and reporters covering the NBA should note that neither technology has a confirmed regular-season timeline or a defined rulebook framework yet.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: NBA Tests Smart Basketballs and Ref Wearables in Preseason