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NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12

NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12 | iNFOnews.ca
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, left, disputes a call with referee Ed Malloy, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA will resume having referees wear headsets with earpieces and microphones Tuesday, with the test scheduled to continue through games of Feb. 12 before the league breaks for All-Star weekend.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 12, referees had the headsets clipped onto their uniforms — then used it during instant replay reviews and other stoppages, but not actually during live play.

In this phase, referees will wear the earpieces throughout the game, including during live play, and be able to communicate directly with the replay center and each other at all times.

The league told teams on Monday that the first phase enhanced officiating accuracy and improved game flow. The league also is hoping the new headsets — also used by referees in the NFL, with FIFA, the top soccer leagues in England and Germany, and Major League Soccer as well — have improved technology, after audio quality and the ability to communicate with other referees without disruption was an issue in some cases during the first phase of the project.

The NBA has been testing the technology since 2022 at various events, including the G League Winter Showcase, NBA Summer League and NBA preseason games.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12 | iNFOnews.ca
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, left, talks with referee Ed Malloy during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12 | iNFOnews.ca
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) argues with referee Justin Van Duyne (64) after being given a flagrant foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12 | iNFOnews.ca
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman, center, confers with referee Josh Tiven, right, as assistant coach JJ Berea looks on in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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