Overall, the NBA wants to provide the best product possible to its fans. This includes all aspects of the game, even referees. The league is testing new equipment for its officials during the 2025-26 preseason.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that some referees were seen wearing headphones during preseason games. This is done to enhance referee communication on the pitch. Not only between the three officials, but also at the league’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey. This is done to allow for ongoing communication between referees and to help expedite the review process.
Will headphones become a permanent fixture for NBA referees?
Also about the referees: As far as I know, for the first time in every preseason game in the NBA, the NBA is equipping the three referees on the court with headsets.
It’s the latest step in the NBA’s headset testing … connecting referees with each other and the replay center in Secaucus.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 5, 2025
This isn’t the first time the NBA has tested referees’ headsets during games. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the headsets were used at various points during Summer League and the 2024-25 G League season. During an NBA game, there are three officials on the court. These include crew chiefs, referees and referees. In addition, a number of non-uniformed officials manage the score and clock.
In certain preseason games in 2025-26, referees will wear headsets. This is to enhance communication between the three officials on the field. Officials can now communicate with each other in real time without having to step off the field. Delays should be reduced and errors minimized. While this is a simple change, it will benefit every aspect of the NBA game.
Are all NBA referees wearing headphones this year? pic.twitter.com/p7vZbU2M8l
– Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 5, 2025
It’s unclear whether the headset technology will appear in the 2025-26 season. The NBA has finally caught up with leagues like the NFL and MLB, which have been using headsets for years. Referees wearing headsets are part of the league’s ongoing push to modernize the game.
There was some outrage after fans realized the referee was wearing headphones. Fans believe officials are wearing headsets because the NBA is “rigged.” However, there is dissatisfaction among coaches/players and officials. Controversial fouls and delays in replay reviews required changes. NBA referees are testing clocks in the 2025-26 season. It was only a matter of time before headsets became a permanent fixture of referees across the league.
