NBA Considers AI Technology to Address Referee Issues
NBA Commissioner Announces Plans to Let AI Take Over for Lazy Referees
Image: Futurism
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has proposed an AI system to assist referees during games, particularly for out-of-bounds calls. This initiative aims to enhance officiating accuracy amid criticisms of poor refereeing during the playoffs. The system would automate certain calls, allowing human referees to focus on more subjective decisions.
- 01The NBA has faced significant criticism for refereeing, particularly regarding flopping and missed calls during the 2026 playoffs.
- 02Commissioner Adam Silver suggested using AI technology similar to Hawk-Eye to automate certain officiating tasks.
- 03The proposed AI system would handle objective calls like out-of-bounds, allowing referees to concentrate on physical violations.
- 04Fans have expressed skepticism about introducing AI into officiating, preferring human referees to enforce existing rules.
- 05The timeline for implementing this AI system in the upcoming season remains unclear.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
During the 2026 NBA playoffs, refereeing has come under fire for issues such as poor management of flopping and critical missed calls. In response, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced plans for an AI system to assist referees, particularly for out-of-bounds calls. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Silver emphasized that this system would automate objective calls, similar to the Hawk-Eye technology used in other sports, allowing referees to focus on more subjective aspects of officiating. While Silver defended the current officiating staff, many fans voiced concerns about the potential introduction of AI, arguing that it could undermine the human element of the game. Critics suggest that improving referee performance should focus on better enforcement of existing rules rather than relying on technology. The exact timeline for this AI initiative's implementation is still uncertain, leaving fans divided on its potential impact on the game.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The introduction of AI refereeing could change the dynamics of NBA games, affecting how referees enforce rules.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about using AI for officiating in the NBA?
Connecting to poll...
More about NBA
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.