Overview
- Starting Saturday, referees will carry clip-on earpieces used during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, a system the league says is meant to improve game flow and accuracy.
- In Phase One, the devices are not worn during live play; officials will unclip and place them in their ears only during reviews or as needed when the clock is stopped.
- Pending evaluation of the initial stage, Phase Two is scheduled to begin in January with continuous in-ear communication during live action through at least the All-Star break.
- The NBA says the technology was tested extensively in the G League Winter Showcase (2022–24), NBA Summer League (2023–25) and preseason games (2024–25).
- League materials note the rollout is in cooperation with the National Basketball Referees Association, while some commentary has flagged transparency questions tied to recent gambling investigations.