NBA adopts AI for automated out-of-bounds calls

The NBA is moving to implement an automated, artificial intelligence system to handle objective officiating calls such as out-of-bounds and possession rulings, Commissioner Adam Silver announced. The change, aimed at speeding up games and reducing disputes, was detailed by Silver during a recent appearance on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show.

Silver explained that the league plans to use a network of cameras around the court to instantly determine which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds. He compared the planned technology to the Hawk-Eye system used in professional tennis for line calls. Under the new system, these decisions would be automatic, eliminating the need for coaches' challenges or lengthy video reviews for such plays.

The commissioner stated that the goal is to remove these "so-called objective calls" from the referees' responsibilities, allowing the game to continue without interruption. He indicated the rollout could happen fairly quickly, though a specific launch date was not provided.

This technological shift comes amid heightened scrutiny of officiating during the ongoing playoffs, where replay reviews and challenges have been frequent points of...