SouthernWorldwide.com – The National Basketball Association (NBA) is reportedly moving towards implementing an AI-automated officiating system to streamline the review process and reduce game delays, according to Commissioner Adam Silver.
Silver, in a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” confirmed that the league is actively exploring automation, particularly for objective replay calls that have become a significant source of slowdowns, especially during playoff games.
The move is seen as a direct response to the growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding the pace of games and the perceived inconsistencies in officiating, which often involve prolonged replays.
“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,” Silver stated.
He further elaborated on the envisioned system, explaining that certain categories of calls would be handled by an AI system equipped with cameras positioned around the court.
This automated approach is expected to provide instantaneous and automatic decisions, thereby eliminating the need for human review in these specific instances and significantly speeding up the game.
Beyond the issue of replay delays, the NBA has also been grappling with the increasing prevalence of “flopping” and “foul baiting,” tactics where players exaggerate contact to draw fouls.
This problem has been particularly noticeable during the recent Western Conference playoffs, with certain players drawing significant attention for their embellishment.
Silver acknowledged the fan frustration surrounding these practices, noting the fine line between selling a call, exaggeration, and a genuine flop.
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“I would only say there’s a difference between selling a call, exaggeration, and a true flop,” Silver commented.
He suggested that in many cases, players are being taught to “sell calls” because contact is a common occurrence in modern basketball.
“Because there’s often contact on every play,” Silver observed, emphasizing that not all contact necessarily results in a foul.
The commissioner expressed optimism that technology will play a crucial role in addressing these officiating challenges.
For years, critics have argued that the NBA’s officiating rules have increasingly favored offensive players, with violations like carrying the ball and illegal screens often going uncalled.
Defenders, in turn, have sometimes been penalized for minimal contact with ball handlers.
Silver’s remarks indicate a clear intention from the league to leverage technological advancements to mitigate the chaos and improve the overall viewing experience, especially during its high-stakes playoff product.
This initiative mirrors developments in other sports, such as Major League Baseball’s recent decision to implement robot umpires for challenges starting in the 2026 season.
