NBA Explores Technology Integration with Smart Basketballs and Wearables in Exhibition Games

Odessa Midland, TX, October 5, 2026 — The National Basketball Association (NBA) is currently in a phase of technological exploration, incorporating advanced equipment into select exhibition games. This initiative involves the use of smart basketballs outfitted with Bluetooth sensors, alongside official wrist wearables for players.

The experiment is designed to test the integration of this technology within the context of live game action. The smart basketballs are equipped with Bluetooth sensors, which are capable of transmitting data. This data transmission is facilitated by the Bluetooth technology embedded within the ball itself.

In addition to the smart basketballs, players participating in these select exhibition games are also utilizing official wrist wearables. The specific functionalities and data collected by these wearables have not been detailed.

The NBA’s decision to deploy these smart devices is occurring during exhibition games. Exhibition games serve as a preparatory stage for teams and are often used to test new strategies, player lineups, and, in this instance, technological advancements before the commencement of regular season play.

The scope of the experimentation is limited to these selected exhibition matches, indicating a controlled rollout to assess performance and gather initial feedback. Further details regarding the objectives of this technological integration, the specific data being collected, or potential future applications of these smart basketballs and wrist wearables were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.yourbasin.com, see more information here.

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