NBA to use AI for automatic out-of-bounds calls, speeding up games

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league plans to use AI to automatically make objective calls like out-of-bounds decisions, reducing disputes and speeding up the game. The system works like tennis' Hawk-Eye, using cameras around the court to decide which team gets the ball in real time.

Speaking on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show, Silver explained this change will let referees focus on physical contact and fouls, without dealing with objective calls. He didn't give a specific launch date but said it will come "pretty fast."

Currently, the NBA relies on video replays to improve accuracy, but these often slow down the game. Silver noted that referees are still essential for judging physical contact, as not every touch is a foul.