NBA tests smart balls, referee wearables in preseason

The NBA announced Monday that it will experiment with two technologies in select preseason exhibition games. Smart basketballs developed by Wilson will carry Bluetooth sensors to collect data for research into possible real-time officiating uses; the league said that information will not affect calls during the test games. Officials in select games will also use wrist wearables to communicate with the replay center in designated situations, including replay reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions. The wearables went through a summer-league pilot the NBA called successful. Neither the connected balls nor the wearables will extend into the regular season. Left-rated outlets led with the dual announcement of smart basketballs and wearable tech for preseason use. The right-rated outlet framed the same development as tests of new high-tech equipment.