NBA tests connected ball

The NBA announced that “connected basketball” technology will be introduced at the 2026 Summer League, marking a significant step in the league’s push toward enhanced officiating tools. This summer’s game ball features an internal sensor capable of detecting contact, a device the league says is imperceptible to players and does not alter feel, performance or weight. The goal is to gather data that could support future officiating applications, including last‑touch out‑of‑bounds decisions.

The first test took place on July 3 at the Chase Center in San Francisco during the California Classic, with the San Antonio Spurs facing the Miami Heat. Later in the evening, the Los Angeles Lakers met the Golden State Warriors as part of the same showcase. The trial represents the NBA’s latest attempt to blend technology with on‑court decision‑making, exploring innovations that could eventually reshape how games are officiated.