Overview
- Beginning Nov. 1, referees carry an earpiece clipped to their uniforms and use it only during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, not during live play.
- The system enables real-time communication with the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., as well as among the three on-court officials.
- The NBA is implementing the trial in cooperation with the National Basketball Referees Association and will evaluate performance during the initial phase.
- If the evaluation is favorable, Phase 2 is slated to start in January with earpieces worn throughout games, including live play, running at least through the February All-Star break.
- The technology was tested across the G League Winter Showcase (2022–24), NBA Summer League (2023–25) and NBA preseason games (2024–25) before the regular-season rollout.