NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the league is exploring artificial intelligence tools to help analyze referee calls and improve officiating.

This move comes as the league faces growing criticism from fans regarding the accuracy of game calls. Integrating AI could fundamentally change how officials manage the flow of a game by increasing the speed and precision of reviews.

Speaking on the CNBC Sport podcast with Alex Sherman, Tatum said the potential for AI to assist referees in making real-time decisions. The initiative aims to address perceived poor officiating and reduce the frequency of contested calls that impact game outcomes.

Reports regarding the implementation of this technology vary in scope. Some sources indicate the league is simply looking into AI to assist human referees, while other reports suggest the NBA may plan to let AI take over certain specific calls entirely.

The discussion regarding these tools surfaced in late May 2026 [1]. The league is weighing how to balance the efficiency of automated systems with the traditional role of human officials on the court.

While the NBA has not yet detailed the specific software or vendors involved, the push for AI reflects a broader trend of technology integration in professional sports. The goal is to minimize human error in high-stakes moments, a primary driver of the current fan backlash.

“The league is exploring artificial intelligence tools to help analyze referee calls.”

The NBA's pivot toward AI officiating suggests a shift in the league's priority from traditional officiating autonomy to data-driven accuracy. If implemented, this could reduce the volatility of late-game decisions and potentially alter the pace of play by shortening the time required for official reviews.