Adam Silver confirms the NBA is moving to an AI-automated officiating system
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The NBA’s primetime product is getting harder to watch, and Commissioner Adam Silver has finally addressed the issue.
During an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday, Silver confirmed that the league is looking toward automation in its officiating, specifically in the replay calls that often creep up during the playoffs.
Or as we all know: folding.
“I think in terms of replays, we’re going to get to a point very quickly where, for example, on plays that are out of bounds … those types of calls are going to be automatic,” Silver told McAfee.
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“We’re going to move to a system like that where the entire phone department will work for itself,” explained Silver.
“Those calls will be handled by an automated AI system with cameras around the court. It will be real-time and automated.”
Silver hopes the automation will eliminate replay delays.
In addition, fans have been increasingly frustrated with poor pitching, and flopping continues to appear on the hardwood during the Western Conference playoffs, in particular.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press conference at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., Feb. 14, 2026. (Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
At the center of that criticism is Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA’s playoff run highlighted the NBA’s growing decorum problem, where many drives appear to feature exaggerated head cuts or flailing arms.
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Silver also admitted to being frustrated about the wrongful seduction.
“I can only say that there is a difference between selling a call, an exaggeration, and a real flop,” said Silver.
“If they don’t cheat the referees, it’s like players are taught to sell phones these days.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the fourth quarter of Game Five against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Finals at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on May 26, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“Because there is a lot of contact in every game,” said Silver.
“That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong.”
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“I think technology will really help here,” he added.
For years, the NBA has tilted the rules of the offense toward offensive players.
Offenses are not enforced, moving screens happen transparently and defenders are often penalized for breathing in the same zip code as the ballhandler.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media after the 75th NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome on Feb. 15, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Images)
Silver’s comments made it clear that the NBA is looking at technology to eliminate some of the chaos that has taken over its playoff production.
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