NBA Moves Toward AI-Driven Officiating for Out-of-Bounds Calls
NBA Moves Toward AI-Driven Officiating for Out-of-Bounds Calls
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has announced that the league is preparing to introduce an automated officiating system for specific in-game decisions, starting with out-of-bounds calls. The initiative aims to reduce human error by using AI-powered cameras installed around the court to instantly determine which team last touched the ball.
Silver compared the upcoming system to Hawk-Eye technology, widely used in tennis for precise line-calling decisions. The NBA has been collaborating with Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations since 2023 as part of its push toward advanced optical tracking systems capable of capturing real-time player and ball movement in three dimensions.
The announcement follows controversy during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. In a key third-quarter sequence, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was ruled to have last touched a loose ball before it went out of bounds. However, replay footage suggested the ball had actually deflected off Thunder forward Chet Holmgren.
Despite video evidence, officials upheld the original ruling after review. The Thunder eventually gained a 3–2 series lead, and the call sparked renewed debate over the accuracy of current replay procedures.
Silver stated that the NBA intends to remove certain objective decisions—such as possession on out-of-bounds plays—from on-court officials entirely. He emphasized that the system would make rulings instantly, eliminating stoppages and reducing the need for coach’s challenges.
“We’re going to move to a system where that whole category of calls will be automatic,” Silver said, adding that play would simply continue without interruption.
The NBA already operates a Replay Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, which supports all 30 arenas with centralized review capabilities. The league has also expanded its use of instant replay and Coach’s Challenge rules in recent seasons, including adjustments for reviewing fouls during out-of-bounds plays.
Under the new direction, AI-assisted officiating would extend these systems further, using real-time tracking data to determine possession without manual review delays.
While automation will handle objective rulings like boundary decisions, Silver clarified that referees will continue to oversee subjective aspects of the game, particularly fouls involving player contact and judgment-based calls.
The NBA’s move reflects a broader trend in sports officiating, where leagues such as tennis, football, and baseball are increasingly adopting automated or semi-automated systems to improve accuracy and consistency.
