NBA refs to start using headsets on Saturday

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) talks with referee Scott Foster during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

NBA referees will use headsets during games starting Saturday to allow them to communicate in real time with the NBA replay center and each other, the league announced on Friday.

The move, with the NBA working in cooperation with the National Basketball Referees Association, launches a two-phase process which is aimed at improving game flow and enhancing officiating accuracy.

In phase one, each referee will have an earpiece clipped on their uniform, referees able to unclip the earpiece and place it in their ears only during instant replay review and as needed during other game stoppages, but not during live play.

After evaluation of results of the first phase of the new system, a second phase would begin in January and allow earpieces to be worn throughout a game, including during live play.

In the second phase, referees would be able to communicate directly with the replay center and each other at all times during the game.

The second phase would run at least through the NBA All-Star Game break in February.

The technology to be used was tested during preseason games over the past two seasons, the NBA Summer League from 2023-2025 and the developmental NBA G League Winter Showcase from 2022-24.