The new technology that the NBA has implemented for referees

The 2025/26 season of the NBA, like each one since Adam Silver became commissioner of the league, brings unprecedented novelties. The North American basketball competition is constantly evolving, and its latest change has affected the way games are officiated.

The NBA has decided to take a new technological leap in its attempt to improve communication and referee transparency within games. Starting from this regular season, referees will begin using headsets during games, a measure never seen before in the American league.

According to the organization, the use of these devices will be limited initially to instant replays and other game interruptions, without intervening in the live action. The idea is to optimize the process of reviewing controversial plays and reduce unnecessary stoppages.

However, this initiative won't stop there. The NBA is already working on a second phase of implementation: before the season ends, referees will be able to communicate directly with the replay center, as well as among themselves throughout the game, which would represent a true revolution in real-time refereeing management.

An innovation inspired by other leagues

Although the measure is pioneering in American professional basketball, other sports competitions had already adopted similar systems long ago. Leagues like the NFL (American football), the Premier League (English football), or even international football competitions like the Champions League have direct communication channels between referees and video assistant referee (VAR) teams, enabling faster and coordinated decisions.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La nueva tecnología que la NBA ha implementando para los árbitros