NBA plans smart ball technology and new European league

The NBA is advancing technological initiatives aimed at improving officiating and expanding its international presence. Commissioner Adam Silver has announced plans to introduce a ‘smart ball’ developed in collaboration with Wilson. The ball features a one-gram Bluetooth chip designed to track movement, rotation, and trajectory without altering the ball's weight or feel. Testing in the G League and Summer League suggests players cannot distinguish the technology. The chip could assist referees in making precise decisions regarding out-of-bounds plays and goaltending.

While the smart ball could be utilized for officiating as early as next year, full official implementation is projected for 2027. The league is also exploring wearable performance-tracking devices, though this remains a point of negotiation with the NBA Players Association.

Separately, the NBA is maintaining its commitment to launching a new professional men's league in Europe by autumn 2027. Working alongside FIBA, the league aims to create a 16-team competition featuring permanent franchises in major cities such as Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, and Istanbul. This move follows a rejection of a collaboration offer by the thirteen shareholder clubs of the EuroLeague.