Adam Silver says NBA will soon use AI for certain calls — here’s how it could work

Topic: technologyRegion: north americaUpdated: i2 outletsSources: 5⚠ Bias gap — sources divergeSpectrum: Mostly Center⏱ 2 min read📡 Wire pickup⚠ 3d+ old

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Story Summary

SITUATION

Adam Silver announced that the NBA will soon integrate AI technology to assist referees in making key calls. This move aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of officiating in games (per International Business Times UK).

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Spectrum: Mostly Center🌍US: 2 · Other: 2 · Europe: 1

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KEY FACTS

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league will use AI to automate a category of calls such as out-of-bounds decisions to speed up games and reduce disputes over possession.
Silver compared the system to Hawk-Eye technology used in tennis, where electronic line-calling quickly determines whether a ball has landed in or out.
“We’re going to move to a system like that where that whole category of calls will be automatic,” Silver said on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday.
Those calls will be done by an AI, automated system with cameras lined around the court.” The technology would make such decisions instantaneous and allow referees to focus on calls for contact and fouls.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

This development falls within the broader context of Technology activity in North America. Current reporting indicates: Adam Silver says NBA will soon use AI for certain calls — here’s how it could work NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league will use AI to automate a category of calls such as out-of-bounds decisions to speed up games and reduce disputes over possession.

Silver compared the system to Hawk-Eye technology used in tennis, where electronic line-calling quickly determines whether a ball has landed in or out. This context is based on the currently available source text and may be refined as fuller reporting becomes available.

Brief

The NBA is set to revolutionize its officiating system by implementing artificial intelligence technology for key referee decisions, a move announced by Commissioner Adam Silver. This significant change aims to enhance the integrity of the game and improve the accuracy of officiating, addressing long-standing concerns about human error in critical calls.

Silver emphasized that the integration of AI is part of a broader initiative to modernize the league and ensure fair play. As professional sports increasingly adopt technological solutions, the NBA's decision reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in sports management.

The league believes that AI can provide real-time assistance to referees, potentially transforming how games are officiated. While the specifics of the AI implementation are still being finalized, the announcement has already sparked discussions among players, coaches, and fans about the future of officiating in basketball.

This development marks a pivotal moment in the NBA's history, as it seeks to balance tradition with technological advancement.

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Adam Silver says NBA will soon use AI for certain calls — here’s how it could work Adam Silver says NBA will soon use AI for certain calls — here’s how it could work Adam Silver sa…

Sources

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