As a whole, the NBA wants to have the best possible product for its fans. That includes all aspects of the game, even the referees. In the 2025-2026 preseason, the league will test new equipment for its officials.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that some referees were wearing earphones during the preseason. This is done so that referees can improve communication on the field. Not only between the three officials, but also with the league’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey. This is done to allow constant communication between the referees, and it could help speed up the judging process.
Will earplugs become a permanent fixture for referees in the NBA?
Also on the subject of referees: I’m told that for the first time, the NBA is equipping all three referees on the floor with earphones for every preseason game in NBA arenas.
It’s the latest step in testing NBA earphones…connecting the referees to each other and to the Replay Center in Secaucus. https://t.co/e1paaMToer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 5, 2025
This isn’t the first time the NBA has tested earphones on referees during a game. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that earphones were used at various times during the summer league and the 2024-2025 G League season. During an NBA game, there are three officials on the court. That includes a crew chief, referee and referee. In addition, some non-uniformed officials manage the score and the clock.
During certain games in the 2025-2026 preseason, referees wore earphones. This is to improve communication between the three officials at the court. Now officials can communicate with each other in real time without having to leave the field. Delays must be reduced and errors minimized. While it’s a simple change, it will benefit all aspects of an NBA game.
NBA referees will wear earphones this year? pic.twitter.com/p7vZbU2M8l
— Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 5, 2025
It is unknown if this earphone technology will arrive during the 2025-2026 season. The NBA is finally catching up to leagues like the NFL and MLB, which have been using earphones for years. Referees wearing earphones are part of the league’s ongoing push to modernize the game.
After fans realized referees were wearing earphones, there was some outrage. Fans think officials will have earphones in because the NBA is “rigged.” However, there was frustration between coaches/players and the referees. Controversial foul calls and delays in reviewing replays have warranted a change. NBA referees will test era pieces during the 2025-2026 season. It’s only a matter of time before earphones become a staple for referees across the league.
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