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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe NBA is testing two separate technologies in selected 2026 preseason games: Wilson-developed basketballs with embedded Bluetooth sensors, and wrist wearables officials can use to communicate with the replay center. The ball data is for research and will not affect calls during the tests. The wearable trial is for designated communication situations and, according to the league’s October 5 report, will not extend into the regular season.
What is the NBA’s smart basketball?
It is a Wilson-developed basketball containing an embedded Bluetooth sensor. In selected preseason exhibition games, the NBA is collecting data from the ball to research possible future real-time officiating uses. The league has not described the sensor’s technical capabilities or reported performance results.
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For the 2026 test games, the sensor data is research-only: it will not affect officiating decisions. The NBA report does not say that the ball sensor communicates with the replay center or makes calls automatically. The NBA’s October 5, 2026 report does not identify how many games will use the connected balls.
What are the officials’ wrist wearables for?
In selected preseason games, officials will use wrist wearables to communicate with the replay center in designated situations. The league names replay reviews, scoring changes, and clock malfunctions as examples. This is a communication tool; the report does not describe the wearable as an automated decision-maker.
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The NBA calls them wrist wearables, but does not identify a manufacturer, model, or technical specifications. “Smartwatch” may be a convenient shorthand, but the report does not establish that referees are using a consumer smartwatch.
How do the two experiments differ?
| Technology | Purpose | Who or what uses it | Effect on decisions in the test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connected basketball | Collect data for research into possible future officiating uses | A Wilson-developed ball with an embedded Bluetooth sensor | Data will not affect calls |
| Wrist wearable | Communicate with the replay center in designated situations | Officials wearing a wrist device | Supports communication; the NBA does not describe it as making calls |
These are distinct trials, not one integrated system: the NBA report does not connect the ball sensor to the replay-center communication experiment.
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Will the technology be used during the regular season?
The NBA’s October 5 report says the wrist-wearable experiment will not extend into the regular season. It does not announce a regular-season rollout for the connected basketballs either; the ball data is being collected for research into possible future uses. No implementation date or commitment to adopt either test technology is reported.
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The wrist-wearable trial follows earlier work on referee communication, but it should not be confused with the NBA’s headset program. In an October 2025 announcement, the league described a phased headset rollout: an initial phase used earpieces during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, with a later phase planned for earpieces worn throughout games. That announcement also listed prior testing at preseason games in 2024 and 2025, Summer League from 2023 to 2025, and the G League Winter Showcase from 2022 to 2024. Those dates concern headsets, not the 2026 wrist-wearable trial. The NBA’s headset announcement provides the historical details.
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- WHAT'S INCLUDED: All you need is the ball and an app subscription—no additional hardware needed! (Note: Mobile device not included; compatible with Apple iOS & Android devices.)
- PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS: Access the same advanced analytics used by top players and coaches to elevate your game. Warranty Support — If you experience any issues, message us through your Amazon order and we’ll provide a free replacement or refund under warranty.
- ADVANCED SHOT TRACKING: Our app and basketball precisely track makes, misses, swishes, shot locations, and more.
- INSTANT FEEDBACK: Receive real-time feedback to instantly improve your shooting performance.
- IMPROVE SHOT ACCURACY: With over 10 million shots tracked, our system has been shown to improve shooting accuracy by 15% or more with consistent use.
The league also has a separate partnership with Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations. Announced in 2023, it concerns 3D optical tracking of players and the ball, with potential applications in officiating, analytics, and fan experiences. The partnership announcement does not establish that Hawk-Eye is involved in the 2026 connected-ball experiment. The NBA’s Hawk-Eye partnership announcement describes that program.
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