NBA Tests Smart Balls and Wearables for Officiating Data

The National Basketball Association is testing a smart basketball with an embedded Bluetooth sensor and wearable wrist communication devices during select exhibition games ahead of the upcoming season, the league announced on Monday.

Wilson Basketballs Gather Data for Research Purposes

The connected basketballs, manufactured by Wilson, gather data intended for potential future use in real-time officiating decisions. However, the league specified that information collected from these smart balls is strictly for research purposes during the exhibition schedule and will not influence any calls made during those games.

Wrist Devices Connect Referees to Replay Center

During select preseason matchups, officials are also wearing wrist-mounted devices designed to streamline communication with the league’s replay center. These tools are used in designated situations, including instant replay reviews, scoring adjustments, and clock malfunctions. The NBA noted that these communication devices underwent a successful pilot program during the summer league, though the technology will not carry over into the regular season.

Are Bluetooth Basketballs Affecting Live Game Scores?

Are the Bluetooth basketballs affecting live game scores? No, the league stated that data from the Wilson connected balls is restricted to research use only and does not impact real-time officiating decisions during the preseason.

Will these technologies be used during the regular season? Neither the smart basketballs nor the referee wrist communication devices will be extended to the regular-season schedule.

Where did the referee wrist devices undergo initial testing? The wearable communication tools passed through a pilot program during the NBA Summer League before advancing to select exhibition games.