
With the advancements in technology, the NBA has tapped into a range of innovative technologies that are revolutionizing the game, from player performance tracking and better guarding to on-demand streaming, mobile gadgets and social media.
In this article, we delve into the exciting world of the NBA and its tech revolution, exploring how teams have been able to up their game with AR/VR tech, tap into new fan experiences through 360 portals, track juicy player stats through SportVU and collaborate with Twitter to roll out new branding and AR upgrades for the 2022-23 season.
Get ready to dive into the amazing tech power that is taking the NBA by storm!
Wearable Technology
It’s all about the sensors and microchips the players wear on their bodies to track their stats. Pretty cool, right? Wearable technology in the NBA is all about taking performance to the next level. It helps teams track and improve performance, while also keeping an eye out for injuries and making sure players stay fit. All in all, it’s a great way to make the game even more awesome.

The NBA has some cool tech they’re using, like sensors that track jump acceleration, rotation, and hang time. Companies like PlaySight are providing teams with connected camera platforms to help with their daily practice, scouting, and player development video needs. Plus, there are companies like BetterGuard that are developing tech to help minimize and detect injuries, evaluate training loads, and keep athletes in tip-top shape.
It’s all about analyzing, measuring, and improving performance like never before. By taking advantage of these technological innovations and other analytics, the NBA is taking the game to a whole new level.
On-Demand Viewing
NBA League Pass is a subscription-based service that lets you watch all the live and on-demand NBA action from wherever you are. It’s the ultimate way to stay on top of all the NBA action, allowing fans to watch any team’s games live or on-demand, get full game replays, and listen to audio broadcasts. Plus, you have the freedom to switch up the viewing angle and language to make it even more enjoyable.

Fans can also get single-game streams online through the NBA’s website or app. It’s easy and affordable – you can watch a single game between any two teams in the league for less than the price of a movie ticket. On-demand viewing gives fans the freedom to watch games whenever they want without having to worry about missing out due to a busy schedule. Plus, fans can watch from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection.
In the 2022-23 NBA season, ESPN is rolling out a fresh, worldwide branding for the league. This rollout happened on October 13 during the NBA preseason game, and fans can expect to see the new branding and augmented reality upgrades throughout ESPN’s Primetime and Playoff programming, all leading up to ABC’s presentation of The NBA Finals.
Social Media Revolution
Social media has totally revolutionized the way sports fans, writers, and athletes interact with each other. With mobile devices and gadgets, the NBA launched its own social media platform and made it easier for fans to connect with the game and their favorite players.
During the NBA Finals, the NBA and Twitter joined forces to give fans a special timeline to keep up with all the action across multiple screens. Twitter made it easy to keep up with the Finals’ highlights and chat about the games with their custom timeline, which allowed fans to follow the games and discuss the games in real-time. Adam Silver was stoked about Twitter’s new timeline, saying it was a great addition to the live game experience. It’s a one-stop-shop for all the highlights and conversations of the Finals.
LeBron James. Stephen Curry.
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2023
Generational greatness. pic.twitter.com/9T9OpkIyTW
Through technological innovations such as relevant hashtags, live tweeting, and mobile devices, the National Basketball Association has changed the way the basketball culture is experienced in countless lives. The digital revolution of the NBA has also given way to other developments.
With new technology, new ideas, and technological advancements, the NBA has been able to remain at the forefront of the professional sports world. As the demand for technology in sports continues to rise, the NBA will continue to be a leader in the technological space, further revolutionizing the way fans and players interact.
Player Performance Tracking
SportVU is a revolutionary automated system that is transforming the way NBA teams track players and the game. It uses exact x and y coordinates to keep tabs on the players, refs, and the ball, analyzing the footage 25 times a second and storing the data with location and event info. Teams can record information that now goes beyond traditional box score numbers. A wide range of statistics is available, including where points were scored from, contested rebounds, points created with assists, shooting percentage at the rim and much more.
Augmented Reality & machine learning #AI are perfect for sport performance tracking
— AR, VR, & AI in Sport (@ARVRinSport) September 30, 2020
Visual tracking allows coaches & players to track sport-specific metrics via analytics to evaluate in-game performance & decision making
📽️-@futurism #AR #NBA #FutureTechpic.twitter.com/nHRUAr9Fms
With this data, coaches and managers can create informed decisions and give their teams the edge they need to succeed. In addition, the NBA website has made SportVU data available to the public, allowing NBA fans and sports fans alike to get an inside look at the game’s unofficial stats. This data collection gives coaches, managers, and sports fans alike an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how a player performs in the NBA and how their performance can be further optimized.
AR/VR Technologies
The NBA’s leveraging of AR and VR technology has been a real game-changer for the league, helping players to hone their mental game and giving fans an even more immersive experience. The Washington Wizards have successfully used VR to help their players hone their mental skills, like free-throw shooting. Ian Mahinmi’s free-throw percentage shot up from 61% to 70% last season, and he even hit an incredible 87% during a preseason game.

The NBA is also utilizing AR technology to make fan experiences even better. The 360 Portals feature is a part of their mobile app that lets fans relive key moments from the 2018 NBA Playoffs using AR. Additionally, they’ve been experimenting with VR to give fans a more immersive experience when watching games, like being able to experience a game from a player’s point of view.
Summary
To conclude, technology has had a massive effect on the NBA and its players, both on and off-court. Wearable tech has created valuable data on player performance, allowing teams to tailor strategies for success. With streaming services like League Pass, fans can watch games wherever and whenever they want.
Social media has allowed for unprecedented access to players and even analysis from experts. AR/VR technologies are offering an immersive fan experience, while also helping players explore their mental game. Technology may have been slow to come to the NBA, but now that it’s here, there’s no telling what truly can be achieved.
Technology is transforming and modernizing the experience of the game in so many ways, bringing us closer to the court than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has technology impacted the NBA?
Technology has had a significant impact on the NBA, with embedded/wearable technology being used to monitor data like the rehabilitation process, player workload and acceleration. This technology is comfortable for players, making it popular among them and enabling teams to closely monitor their progress. Clearly, technology has greatly impacted the NBA.
Who is the technology partner of the NBA?
The NBA is teaming up with Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations as their official technology partner. This multi-year partnership will bring Sony’s advanced tracking and officiating technology to the league, beginning in the 2023-24 season.
Mar 9, 2023. This partnership will offer fans enhanced accuracy and speed of game play through Hawk-Eye’s 3D optical tracking technology. Mar 9, 2023.
What technology do officials use in basketball?
Officials in the NBA utilize Hawk-Eye 3D optical tracking technology to see player motion and ensure more accurate and efficient decision-making during matches. This cutting-edge technology provides insights into player performance and helps enhance the viewing experience.
How is technology used in the NBA?
The NBA continues to embrace technology by using the shot clock, instant replay challenges, and player performance tracking tools. Data-driven insights are being used to make better decisions in real-time and help teams gain an advantage to win games. Technology is revolutionizing the way that basketball is played and watched around the world.
