NBA Tests 'Smart' Basketballs During Preseason Games

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has begun testing 'smart' basketballs during select preseason games for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Developed by Wilson Sporting Goods, these balls incorporate a Bluetooth sensor within the air valve. Data collected by the balls will not be used during games, nor will it influence official calls, according to the league.

The primary objective is to gather insights into the ball's performance and player feedback by comparing the 'smart' balls with standard game balls. Tom Ryan, the NBA's head of basketball research and development, stated that players are unaware of which type of ball they are using to ensure unbiased feedback. The integrated technology adds only about one gram to the ball's weight.

The league previously trialed the balls in the G League and NBA Summer League. The collected data, including acceleration measurements, is intended to help build models for AI-assisted officiating. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously suggested that automated calls, such as for out-of-bounds plays or possession, could expedite game decisions.

The integration of technology into sports is a subject of debate, with concerns that it could alter the game's dynamics. In football, for example, the use of sensors has led to contentious moments. For the NBA, the immediate focus of this testing is to ensure the 'smart' ball performs identically to the official game ball. Data from these preseason trials will aid in developing more reliable models for potential future implementation.