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NBA to resume having referees wearing headsets, starting Tuesday. Test will run through Feb. 12
The NBA expects enhanced officiating accuracy and improved communication with new headsets used continuously by referees during games through Feb. 12, league officials said.
- Tuesday marks the restart of the NBA's in-game headset test, with referees wearing earpieces and microphones through games of Feb. 12 before All‑Star weekend.
- The NBA previously had headsets clipped to referees' uniforms through Dec. 12, using them only for instant replay reviews and stoppages; the league said phase one improved accuracy.
- Referees will wear earpieces during live play to communicate continuously with the replay center and each other, as shown by the Jan. 19, 2026 dispute involving Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, and Ed Malloy, NBA referee.
- The league says better headset technology should fix prior audio and communication issues, aligning the NBA with NFL, FIFA, top English and German leagues, and MLS using similar systems.
- The Associated Press presented the report from New York with a Jan. 19, 2026 timestamp and a photograph of an on-court dispute.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left, 44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
45% Left
L 45%
C 44%
11%
Factuality
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