NBA Tests Smart Basketballs and Wearable Tech During Games

WHO:

ABC News Tech - The NBA is involved in the experimentation of new technologies.

WHAT:

Fast Company - The NBA announced that select exhibition games will include a smart basketball with a Bluetooth sensor that collects data for real-time officiating decisions.

Fast Company - The information from the Wilson-developed connected balls will be used for research only and will not affect calls made during those games.

Fast Company - Officials in select games will use wrist wearables to communicate with the replay center for replay reviews, scoring changes, and clock malfunctions.

Fast Company - The wrist wearables successfully completed a pilot program during the summer league.

Fast Company - The technology will not extend into the regular season.

ABC News Tech - The NBA is testing smart basketballs and official wrist wearables during games.

Drudge Report - The NBA is experimenting with smart basketballs and official wrist wearables.

WHERE:

ABC News Tech - The experimentation is taking place in the context of NBA games.

WHEN:

ABC News Tech - The NBA is conducting these experiments in the leadup to the season.

WHY:

ABC News Tech - The purpose of the experimentation is to integrate technology into the game.

HOW:

ABC News Tech - The NBA is utilizing smart basketballs and wrist wearables to gather data during gameplay.

The NBA has announced that select exhibition games will feature a smart basketball equipped with a Bluetooth sensor, designed to collect data for real-time officiating decisions. While the information gathered from these Wilson-developed connected balls will be used for research purposes only and will not influence calls during the games, officials will also utilize wrist wearables to communicate with the replay center for reviews, scoring changes, and clock issues. This technology successfully completed a pilot program during the summer league, but it will not be implemented during the regular season.