The new wearable technology set to help NBA referees this season
NBA referees will start to wear the new technology as of this weekend.
Starting this weekend, NBA referees will step onto the court with some new drip: headsets designed to improve how they communicate during games. It’s part of a league-wide experiment that are looking to reshape how decisions are made in real time.
The rollout, say the NBA, will happen in two stages. In the first phase, starting on Saturday, referees will wear the devices only during stoppages, such as when they’re reviewing a call or checking in with the replay centre. At the time of writing, the NBA have made clear that they won’t be used while play is live.
If everything goes smoothly, the NBA plans to expand the system in early 2025. During phase two, referees will wear the earpieces throughout the entire game, including live action, allowing for instant and direct communication with each other as well as with the league’s central replay hub. That portion of the initiative is expected to last at least until the All-Star break in February.
Despite the changes, new additions to referees in the world of basketball is not uncharted territory for officials: the NBA has been experimenting with this kind of technology since 2022, putting it to the test during events like the NBA G League Winter Showcase, Summer League, as well as a number of preseason games.
From a practical standpoint, the move could help mitigate miscommunication on the court. Officials will be able to hear each other and the replay centre in real time and potentially reduce delays or mistakes stemming from fractured communication, which has been a point of contention for fans and teams on past occasions.
It could also deliver a calmer orchestration of stoppages and decisions (wishful thinking, I know), which benefits everyone.
Official NBA release:
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that NBA referees will use headsets to communicate in real time with the NBA Replay Center and one another, beginning with games on Nov. 1. The rollout is the first in a planned two-phased approach to utilize the new communication system, which is designed to improve game flow and enhance officiating accuracy.
In the first phase, each referee will have an earpiece clipped on their uniform. The referees will unclip the earpiece and place it in their ears only during instant replay review and as needed during other stoppages, but not during live play.
Pending evaluation of the first phase, the second phase of use will begin with earpieces being worn throughout the game, including during live play, beginning in January. During the second phase, referees will be able to communicate directly with the Replay Center and each other during at all times during the game. The second phase will run through at least the NBA All-Star break in February.
Prior to being implemented, the technology was tested extensively during NBA preseason games (2024 and 2025), NBA Summer League (2023-25) and the NBA G League Winter Showcase (2022-24).
The NBA will work closely with the National Basketball Referees Association throughout this process.
Related stories
The NBA season is still rolling on. In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls are off to a perfect 5-0 start, sitting on top with the best record so far. They’re followed by the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, both 4-1 at this point. Over in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the way at 6-0 — the strongest start in the league. The San Antonio Spurs are right behind at 5-0.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.