NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has announced the forthcoming implementation of an AI-automated system to manage objective game calls, such as out-of-bounds determinations.

NBA 總裁 Adam Silver 已宣布將實施一套 AI 自動化系統，用以管理客觀的比賽判定，例如球是否出界。

The impetus for this technological transition is rooted in persistent disputes regarding officiating accuracy and the resulting deceleration of game pace during replay reviews. A notable catalyst occurred during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, where a contested out-of-bounds ruling and the subsequent denial of a coach's challenge highlighted systemic frictions. Commissioner Silver posits that the adoption of a camera-based AI system, analogous to the Hawk-Eye technology utilized in tennis and the automated ball-strike systems in Major League Baseball, will render objective calls instantaneous and eliminate the necessity for manual challenges.

此次技術轉型的動力源於對裁判準確性的持續爭議，以及回放審查導致的比賽節奏放緩。一個顯著的催化劑發生在聖安東尼奧馬刺與俄克拉荷馬城雷霆的西區決賽第五場，當時一項有爭議的出界判定以及隨後對教練挑戰的否決，凸顯了系統性的摩擦。Silver 總裁認為，採用類似於網球中使用的「鷹眼」技術以及大聯盟（MLB）自動球好球系統的攝影 AI 系統，將使客觀判定變得即時化，並消除人工挑戰的必要性。

Furthermore, the league is addressing the phenomenon of 'flopping'—the intentional exaggeration of contact to secure fouls. While Tyrese Haliburton has characterized this behavior as a component of modern player development, Silver distinguishes between the 'selling' of a call and deceptive flopping. The administration maintains that while AI will manage objective data, human officials remain indispensable for interpreting subjective physical contact, as such evaluations require a tactile understanding of player impedance that cameras cannot replicate. This strategic bifurcation of labor is intended to allow referees to dedicate their full cognitive resources to complex subjective judgments.

此外，聯盟正在處理「假摔」現象——即故意誇大接觸以獲取犯規。雖然 Tyrese Haliburton 將此行為描述為現代球員發展的一部分，但 Silver 將「演戲」獲取判定的行為與欺騙性假摔區分開來。管理層認為，雖然 AI 將管理客觀數據，但人類裁判在解釋主觀身體接觸方面仍然不可或缺，因為此類評估需要對球員阻礙感有觸覺上的理解，而這是攝影機無法複製的。這種策略性的分工旨在讓裁判將其全部認知資源投入到複雜的主觀判斷中。

Stakeholder reception to this proposal remains divided. Certain analysts, including Kendrick Perkins, have expressed opposition, citing a preference for human evaluation over algorithmic reliability. Conversely, other observers view the shift as an inevitable evolutionary step in professional sports. This trajectory is mirrored across other major leagues; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman have both indicated an intent to leverage AI to enhance operational efficiency and the spectator experience.

利益相關者對此提案的反應仍然分歧。包括 Kendrick Perkins 在內的一些分析師表示反對，理由是比起演算法的可靠性，他們更傾向於人類的評估。相反，其他觀察家將這一轉變視為職業體育中不可避免的演進步驟。這一趨勢在其他大聯盟中也有體現；WNBA 總裁 Cathy Engelbert 和 NHL 總裁 Gary Bettman 均表示有意利用 AI 來提高營運效率並提升觀眾體驗。

The NBA intends to transition objective officiating to an AI-driven model to increase game velocity and reduce disputes, while retaining human officials for subjective foul assessments.

NBA 擬將客觀裁判轉型為 AI 驅動模式，以提高比賽速度並減少爭議，同時保留人類裁判進行主觀犯規評估。