NBA Bets On AI and 3D Replays for its Next Growth Spurt

The NBA has selected five new startups for its Launchpad technology incubator, placing its bets on a future shaped by AI, deep data, and immersive media. The move is designed to find the league’s next competitive edge off the court, focusing on everything from player performance to new revenue streams.

• From hoops to hardware: This program is a core part of the league’s transformation into a media and technology company, serving as its pipeline for game-changing ideas. “We’re proud of the meaningful progress the platform has made toward shaping the future of the game,” said Tom Ryan, the NBA’s Head of Basketball Research and Development.

• The starting five: The league chose its new cohort from a field of over 200 companies, selecting startups that could redefine how the sport is played, managed, and consumed. The group includes a wearable that measures mental focus, an AI scout for sponsorship deals, tech that turns highlights into shopping carts, a system that creates photorealistic 3D game replays, and an AI-powered shooting coach.

• The final exam: The startups now enter a six-month audition, battle-testing their tech with league support. The program concludes with a high-stakes pitch at this summer's NBA Summer League, where they’ll present their products to a room of executives, partners, and investors.

The NBA isn't just waiting for the future of sports technology; it's actively building it. By embedding these startups directly into its ecosystem, the league gets a first look at potentially transformative tech, giving it a hand in shaping everything from on-court strategy to the fan experience. This incubator isn't just a PR play; it has a proven track record of identifying startups that go on to secure funding and partnerships.