Adam Silver says the NBA is preparing to introduce an AI-powered automated system designed to assist referees with making “objective calls” during games.
According to Silver, the league plans to use advanced camera technology and artificial intelligence to help officials make more accurate decisions on plays that can be measured and reviewed objectively, such as out-of-bounds rulings, foot placement, shot timing, and other precise in-game situations.
The announcement signals another major step in the growing use of technology across professional sports as leagues continue searching for ways to improve accuracy, consistency, and transparency in officiating.
It emphasized that the system is not intended to replace referees entirely, but rather serve as a support tool to assist human officials during games. League officials believe the technology could help reduce controversial calls and improve the overall pace and fairness of competition.
Reaction online has been mixed, with some fans welcoming the possibility of fewer missed calls and greater consistency, while others expressed concern about overreliance on technology potentially changing the human element of the game.
Sports technology experts say AI-powered officiating systems are becoming increasingly common across global sports, with leagues exploring automated tools for ball tracking, line decisions, player movement analysis, and instant replay enhancements.
As conversations continue around the future of officiating in professional sports, the NBA’s reported plans could position the league at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into live game management and decision-making.
