Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
NBA may introduce sensor-equipped basketballs in official games next season
The NBA is testing a basketball fitted with a small sensor made with Wilson.
The sensor weighs one gram and records the ball’s movement, spin and path.
Tests have taken place in G League and Summer League games, as well as some preseason matchups.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said players could not tell the difference in the ball’s weight or bounce.
The league may use the sensor data next season to help referees check whether the ball went out of bounds.
A version for fans to buy is still a few years away.
Separate plans for players to wear tracking devices are on hold while the NBA and the players’ union discuss how the data would be used.
The NBA may introduce a microchip-equipped basketball in official games as soon as next year.
The NBA and Wilson developed the ball, which has a sensor weighing one gram.
The sensor tracks the ball’s movement, spin and trajectory in real time.
The ball has been tested in G League, Summer League and preseason games, with players reportedly unable to detect a difference in its weight or bounce.
Referees may use its data by next season to check out-of-bounds calls.
- Who
- The NBA, in partnership with Wilson, developed the ball. NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed its possible use.
- What
- The NBA may use a sensor-equipped basketball in official games.
- When
- It could debut as soon as next year; referees may use its data by next season.
- Where
- The NBA’s official games. The ball has also been tested in G League, Summer League and preseason games.
- Why
- The sensor tracks movement, spin and trajectory, and referees may use its data to verify out-of-bounds calls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nobody could tell the difference. So that’s a good sign,
We have to come to some agreement on exactly how the information is used. But it seems everybody wants that information,
We’ll work something out with them.
The NBA tested the sensor-equipped ball during games.
The ball was also tested in preseason games.
Referees will likely use the sensor data to verify out-of-bounds calls.
The ball could debut in official games.
- Developer
- NBA and Wilson
- Sensor weight
- One gram
- Tracked data
- Movement, spin and trajectory
- Potential use
- Verify out-of-bounds calls
- Retail version
- A few years away
Sources
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