The NBA is bringing a futuristic touch to the hardwood this preseason, experimenting with smart basketballs and official wrist wearables during select exhibition games.
NBA Smart Basketballs and Wearables
Developed in partnership with Wilson, the new connected basketballs feature a built-in Bluetooth sensor. While the technology will not alter any referee calls during these exhibition matchups, the internal sensors will collect valuable data for research. The league’s ultimate goal is to see if this data can eventually be used to enhance real-time officiating decisions.
In addition to the smart basketballs, referees in some preseason games will wear high-tech wrist wearables to communicate directly with the NBA’s replay center. This direct line of communication is designed to assist officials in handling specific, time-sensitive situations, including replay reviews, scoring adjustments, and clock malfunctions. According to the league, the wearable devices have already passed a successful pilot program during the recent Summer League.
Enthusiasts shouldn’t expect to see these high-tech additions stick around just yet, as the league confirmed that neither piece of technology will extend into the regular season. However, these preseason tests show the NBA’s ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technology to improve game flow and improve officiating accuracy in the future.
Miguel Palispis
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later. Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH. He is also a musician, foody, gamer, and PC enthusiast.
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