Overview
- Beginning Saturday, referees will use league-issued earpieces during regular-season games for the first time.
- In Phase 1, officials will keep the device clipped to their uniforms and insert it only during replay reviews or other stoppages, not during live play.
- Following an evaluation of Phase 1 into January, Phase 2 is planned to have referees wear the earpieces throughout games with real-time communication to the Replay Center and to each other.
- The second phase is slated to begin in January and continue at least through the All-Star break, pending the Phase 1 review.
- The NBA has tested the technology since 2022 in the G League Winter Showcase, NBA Summer League and preseason games.