NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that the league will introduce AI technology to handle a category of objective calls, including out-of-bounds decisions, aiming to speed up games and reduce refereeing disputes [1, 2, 3]. "We're going to move to a system like that where that whole category of calls will be automatic," Silver said, emphasizing that such calls will be removed from referees’ responsibilities [1].
The new system will rely on cameras positioned around the court to make instantaneous decisions. Silver noted, "It will take all those so-called objective calls out of the hands of the referees. You won’t have to deal with challenges on those calls" [2]. He compared the NBA’s approach to the Hawk-Eye computer system used in tennis to verify line calls [1, 2].
However, Silver stressed that referees will continue to oversee subjective rulings such as fouls and physical contact requiring judgment. "There’s often contact on every play, but that doesn’t mean there’s a foul on every play. That’s something that can’t just be done on camera," he said [1, 3]. This distinction seeks to preserve referee authority on nuanced decisions even as AI handles straightforward ones.
The league hopes the AI-assisted approach will reduce replay delays that currently slow down games, particularly during the playoffs. Silver said, "I think in terms of replay, we’re going to get to the point fairly quickly where, for example, on out-of-bounds plays … those kinds of calls will become automatic" [3].
Silver also acknowledged ongoing fan frustration with players who exaggerate contact to draw fouls, a trend highlighted in recent Western Conference playoff games involving stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander [3]. He noted, "I would only say there’s a difference between selling a call, exaggeration, and a true flop. If they’re not fooling the referees, it’s more like players being taught to sell calls these days" [3].
No exact timeline was provided for the AI rollout, but Silver said the changes will be implemented "fairly quickly" [1, 2, 3]. The league will continue refining the technology before wider deployment in upcoming seasons.
