NBA Explores Smart Technology for Real-Time Officiating in Preseason Games
The NBA is experimenting with smart basketballs containing Bluetooth sensors and official wrist wearables in select preseason games to collect data for real-time officiating.
Harlingen Weslaco Brownsville McAllen, TX, October 5, 2026 — The National Basketball Association (NBA) is currently exploring the integration of advanced technology aimed at enhancing officiating accuracy and efficiency. In a move towards data-driven real-time decision-making, the league has begun experimenting with smart basketballs equipped with Bluetooth sensors. These specially designed basketballs are part of trials conducted during select preseason games.
In conjunction with the smart basketballs, NBA officials are also testing official wrist wearables. The primary objective behind this technological push is to collect comprehensive data during live game play. This data is intended to provide officials with real-time insights that could potentially assist in making split-second calls on the court.
The use of Bluetooth sensors within the basketballs allows for the transmission of various metrics, while the wrist wearables are designed to provide officials with accessible information. This initiative represents a significant step in the NBA’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology to support its officiating staff. The scope and specific outcomes of these preseason experiments have not been detailed, including the precise nature of the data collected or how it is being presented to officials. Further details on the full deployment and potential impact of this smart technology on future NBA games are expected as the league continues its evaluation process.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.valleycentral.com, see more information here.
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