The NBA is embracing technology as it prepares for the upcoming season, announcing an exciting experiment with smart basketballs and official wrist wearables in selected preseason games. This initiative, revealed on October 5, 2026, aims to enhance the efficiency of officiating and improve the overall game experience.

The smart basketballs, developed by Wilson, are equipped with Bluetooth sensors that collect real-time data. This data will be utilized for research purposes only and will not influence the officiating decisions made during the games. The league's goal is to gather insights that could potentially improve the accuracy of calls in the future.

In addition to the smart basketballs, officials will also be equipped with wrist wearables designed to facilitate communication with the replay center. This technology will be particularly useful in specific situations such as replay reviews, scoring changes, and clock malfunctions. The NBA previously tested these wearables during the summer league, where they reportedly performed successfully.

While the league is excited about these technological advancements, it has confirmed that they will not be implemented during the regular season. Instead, the focus will remain on gathering data and assessing the effectiveness of these innovations during the preseason games.

As the NBA continues to explore new ways to enhance the game, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these technologies could shape the future of basketball officiating.