From CNBC · Jessica Golden · · 2m
NBA plans smart basketball for 2027
Commissioner Adam Silver says the league is testing a microchip-embedded ball that could transform how officials make calls.
In brief
Commissioner Adam Silver says the league is testing a microchip-embedded ball that could transform how officials make calls. The NBA is developing a smart basketball with an embedded microchip in partnership with Wilson, potentially launching it in 2027 to help referees make officiating decisions. Originally reported…
NBA testing microchip basketball
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told CNBC the league is working with Wilson to develop a basketball embedded with a tiny Bluetooth sensor that tracks movement, spin and trajectory changes.
Chip weighs just one gram
Silver said the microchip weighs roughly one gram compared with the roughly six hundred twenty gram basketball. The league wanted experienced players not to notice any change in how the ball feels or bounces.
Players tested it already
The technology has been tested in the NBA's G League, Summer League and some preseason games, where players used basketballs both with and without the chip. Players were pleased with the results.
“Nobody could tell the difference. So that's a good sign.”
Smart ball could help referees
Silver said the technology could help referees determine whether a player touched the ball before it went out of bounds by detecting subtle changes in its spin.
Officiating use could start 2027
Silver said the league could begin using the smart ball for officiating in games as soon as next year. A consumer version for players to analyze their shooting mechanics may take longer.
“I think you could see as soon as next year us using it for officiating in our games.”
Consumer version years away
Beyond officiating, Silver sees opportunity to bring the technology to consumers, allowing basketball players to analyze their shooting mechanics.
“I think the consumers version is a few years away, but it's a really exciting opportunity.”
Players union blocks wearables
The NBA is also exploring wearable technology during games, but negotiations with the National Basketball Players Association have not produced an agreement. The league tested wrist wearables in preseason and summer league games this year.
Data use remains sticking point
Silver said the biggest concern is whether performance data collected during games could be used against players in contract negotiations.
“If you could see a player was slowing down or something like that, they're worried that that could get used in bargaining, and I get that.”
The big picture
The NBA is developing a smart basketball with an embedded microchip in partnership with Wilson, potentially launching it in 2027 to help referees make officiating decisions.
