NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league is collaborating with Wilson to develop a basketball equipped with a microchip that tracks movement and spin, with the aim of improving officiating and player performance analysis. The chip, weighing only one gram, has been tested in various league settings, and players reported no noticeable difference in feel.
This technology could assist referees in making more accurate calls, such as determining if a player touched the ball before it went out of bounds. While the officiating application may be ready for next season, a consumer version for player analysis could take several years.
Additionally, the NBA is exploring wearable technology for referees, but negotiations with the players' union are ongoing due to concerns about how data might impact contract negotiations. Silver emphasized the need for an agreement on data usage, as players already utilize wearables off the court to monitor performance