iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The NBA is trying out two separate technologies in selected 2026 preseason games: Wilson-developed basketballs with embedded Bluetooth sensors, and wrist wearables that let officials communicate with the replay center. Neither changes how a game is called right now. The ball is a research exercise, and the wearable is a communication aid. Both are limited to exhibition games, according to an NBA.com report (with the Associated Press) dated October 5, 2026.
What the NBA is testing
Connected basketballs
Selected exhibition games will use Wilson-developed basketballs that contain Bluetooth sensors. The league says the data is for research into possible future real-time officiating decisions. It also says the information will not affect calls in the games where it is collected. The report attributes that statement to “the league” and does not name an individual speaker.
Wrist wearables for officials
In selected games, referees will wear wrist devices to communicate with the replay center in designated situations. The NBA gave these examples: replay reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions. The same technology previously went through a Summer League pilot that the NBA called successful.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Ball versus wearable at a glance
| Connected basketball | Official’s wrist wearable | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Collects data for research | Communication with the replay center |
| Who it involves | The ball and its Bluetooth sensor (Wilson-developed) | Referees wearing the device |
| Effect on calls | None during these games | Passes information in set situations; not described as making calls |
| Regular-season status | Future officiating use is only being researched | The report says it will not extend into the regular season |
The NBA report does not say the ball sensor talks to the replay center or triggers any automated call, so neither device should be read as automated officiating.
#1 Best Overall
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: All you need is the ball and an app subscription—no additional hardware needed! (Note: Mobile device not included; compatible with Apple iOS & Android devices..)
- PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS: Access the same advanced analytics used by top players and coaches to elevate your game. Warranty Support — If you experience any issues, message us through your Amazon order and we’ll provide a free replacement or refund under warranty.
- ADVANCED SHOT TRACKING: Our app and basketball precisely track makes, misses, swishes, shot locations, and more.
- INSTANT FEEDBACK: Receive real-time feedback to instantly improve your shooting performance.
- IMPROVE SHOT ACCURACY: With over 10 million shots tracked, our system has been shown to improve shooting accuracy by 10% or more with consistent use.
What the NBA has not disclosed
- How many preseason games are involved.
- The wearable’s manufacturer or model. “Smartwatch” is common shorthand, but the NBA says only “wrist wearables.”
- Any accuracy figures, performance results, costs or an implementation timeline for either technology.
- Whether the connected ball is sold to consumers. Wilson is named as developer, but nothing indicates the test sensor appears in retail basketballs.
How this fits earlier NBA officiating tech
Referee communication gear is not new to the league. In an October 2025 announcement, NBA Communications described a first phase in which referees used earpieces during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, followed by a planned phase with earpieces worn throughout the game. The league said it had tested that technology at preseason games in 2024 and 2025, Summer League from 2023 to 2025, and the G League Winter Showcase from 2022 to 2024. Those headsets are a separate program from the 2026 wrist wearables.
The ball sensors also differ from the NBA’s Hawk-Eye partnership, announced in March 2023. That deal covers 3D optical tracking of players and the ball, with possible uses in officiating, analytics and fan experiences. Nothing in the 2026 report ties Hawk-Eye to the smart-ball test.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AT-HOME BASKETBALL TRAINING THAT ACTUALLY KEEPS PLAYERS ENGAGED — The DribbleUp Smart Basketball pairs with the app to deliver real-time coaching feedback during every drill. Players practice longer because it feels like a video game they want to beat, not homework — making it the training tool that actually leaves the garage.
- DRIBBLEUP MEMBERSHIP STARTER PERIOD INCLUDED — Your purchase comes with a 1-month starter period of DribbleUp membership so you can start training the day the ball arrives — full access to drills, live classes, and performance tracking. App access is limited without membership. Membership auto-renews monthly after your starter period (one membership covers up to 6 household members across all DribbleUp products). Cancel anytime, backed by our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
- EXPERT-LED DRILLS, LIVE CLASSES & NEW CONTENT EVERY WEEK — From first-time dribblers to varsity-level players, the DribbleUp app offers structured programs for every skill level. Live classes with real coaches, on-demand drills, daily challenges, and fresh content added weekly mean your athlete never runs out of new ways to train.
- SEE REAL IMPROVEMENT WITH PERFORMANCE TRACKING — The app tracks ball-handling speed, accuracy, and consistency across every session and gives you a full performance dashboard. No more wondering if practice is paying off — watch measurable progress session by session, with streaks and leaderboards that keep players coming back daily.
- REAL BASKETBALL— Built with premium composite leather and engineered for indoor and outdoor play, the Smart Basketball has the same grip, bounce, and weight as any quality game ball. No batteries, no charging, no built-in sensors — the AI-powered DribbleUp app uses your phone or tablet camera to track the ball in real time.
Rank #4
- OFFICIAL GAME BALL WITH INTEGRATED SHOT TRACKING: The Spalding TF1000 is the official high school basketball in 17 states including NY, TX, PA, MA, and WI, now equipped with built-in smart sensor technology. Features a rotationally balanced butyl bladder for superior air retention and nylon windings for lasting structural integrity. Practice and compete with the same ball.
- REAL-TIME SHOT TRACKING AND PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS VIA APP: Automatically tracks makes, misses, swishes, and shot locations through the companion app with instant feedback after every shot. No additional hardware or wearables required. Pair the ball with your iOS or Android device and start tracking immediately. (Mobile device not included.)
- DATA-DRIVEN ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT BACKED BY 10 MILLION SHOTS: Players using consistent shot tracking have improved shooting accuracy by 15% or more across over 10 million tracked shots on the platform. Access the same analytics technology trusted by elite players and coaches to identify patterns, track progress, and refine shooting form.
- PREMIUM COMPOSITE LEATHER CONSTRUCTION FOR INDOOR COURT PLAY: Competition-grade composite leather cover delivers consistent grip, feel, and bounce trusted in varsity and tournament play. Rotationally balanced design ensures true ball flight for accurate practice sessions and game-day performance. Built to the same specifications as the standard TF1000.
- TF-DNA TRAINING COMMUNITY WITH COACHING AND WEEKLY CHALLENGES: Join the TF-DNA community to compete in weekly challenges, earn achievement badges, and access training lessons from professional coaches. 1-year app subscription included with purchase. Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Rank #3
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: All you need is the ball and an app subscription—no additional hardware needed! (Note: Mobile device not included; compatible with Apple iOS & Android devices.)
- PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS: Access the same advanced analytics used by top players and coaches to elevate your game. Warranty Support — If you experience any issues, message us through your Amazon order and we’ll provide a free replacement or refund under warranty.
- ADVANCED SHOT TRACKING: Our app and basketball precisely track makes, misses, swishes, shot locations, and more.
- INSTANT FEEDBACK: Receive real-time feedback to instantly improve your shooting performance.
- IMPROVE SHOT ACCURACY: With over 10 million shots tracked, our system has been shown to improve shooting accuracy by 15% or more with consistent use.
Rank #2
- OFFICIAL GAME BALL WITH INTEGRATED SHOT TRACKING: The Spalding TF1000 is the official high school basketball in 17 states including NY, TX, PA, MA, and WI, now equipped with built-in smart sensor technology. Features a rotationally balanced butyl bladder for superior air retention and nylon windings for lasting structural integrity. Practice and compete with the same ball.
- REAL-TIME SHOT TRACKING AND PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS VIA APP: Automatically tracks makes, misses, swishes, and shot locations through the companion app with instant feedback after every shot. No additional hardware or wearables required. Pair the ball with your iOS or Android device and start tracking immediately. (Mobile device not included.)
- DATA-DRIVEN ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT BACKED BY 10 MILLION SHOTS: Players using consistent shot tracking have improved shooting accuracy by 15% or more across over 10 million tracked shots on the platform. Access the same analytics technology trusted by elite players and coaches to identify patterns, track progress, and refine shooting form.
- PREMIUM COMPOSITE LEATHER CONSTRUCTION FOR INDOOR COURT PLAY: Competition-grade composite leather cover delivers consistent grip, feel, and bounce trusted in varsity and tournament play. Rotationally balanced design ensures true ball flight for accurate practice sessions and game-day performance. Built to the same specifications as the standard TF1000.
- TF-DNA TRAINING COMMUNITY WITH COACHING AND WEEKLY CHALLENGES: Join the TF-DNA community to compete in weekly challenges, earn achievement badges, and access training lessons from professional coaches. 1-year app subscription included with purchase. Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
