NBA Trials Smart Basketballs and Wearable Tech in Preseason Games

The NBA is experimenting with new technology during a portion of its preseason games, the league announced Monday.

Select exhibition matches will feature Wilson-developed smart basketballs equipped with Bluetooth sensors. These connected balls will collect real-time data intended for research and potential future use in officiating decisions. The league emphasized that the data gathered will not influence calls made during these specific games.

In parallel, officials in designated games will utilize wrist-worn wearables to communicate with the replay center. This technology aims to streamline communication for situations such as video reviews, scoring adjustments, and clock malfunctions.

The wearable devices completed a successful pilot program during the NBA's summer league. The league confirmed that this technological integration will not extend into the regular season.