How NBA Teams Are Empowering Visually Impaired Fans With Haptic Technology

The NBA has taken a bold step in making basketball truly inclusive, harnessing haptic technology to revolutionize the experience of visually impaired fans. Thanks to innovative OneCourt devices, fans are no longer just passive listeners—they’re engaged participants, able to feel every pass, block, and score in real-time, right at their fingertips.

First-Of-Its-Kind Deployment

• In January 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers became the first major professional sports team to offer OneCourt’s haptic devices at every home game, setting the standard for accessibility in sports.

• The Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers have since joined, expanding the reach and impact of this technology.

• Nearly every Blazers home game now sees at least one device checked out—demonstrating strong, ongoing demand among low-vision fans.

Game-Changing Engagement

• The device features a tactile outline of a basketball court, vibrating in real time based on live ball and player movement—powered by visual tracking from up to 20 in-arena cameras.

• Vibration intensity ramps up for major plays like three-pointers or steals.

• An accompanying earpiece provides audio game updates, combining sensory feedback for deeper immersion.

• Quick setup: Most users master the device after a short, 2-minute tutorial, making it accessible for all ages and tech comfort levels.

Access and Cost

• Devices are provided free at arenas, courtesy of sponsors like Ticketmaster.

• Current device counts: Portland and Sacramento offer 5 per game; Phoenix offers 10, with numbers set to grow alongside demand.

Outcomes and Impact

• Before haptic devices, fans like Brian Vu attended just one game a year. Now, they expect to attend five or more, citing a stronger sense of belonging and the ability to celebrate alongside fellow fans.

• The technology benefits families and friends, as group participation requires less narration from companions.

Key Statistics

Broader Inclusion & Future Potential

• The success in NBA arenas has inspired other leagues—including baseball and hockey—to pilot tactile tech.

• Research from the CDC highlights an untapped market of 7 million Americans with significant vision loss, underscoring the importance of continued innovation.

• Other venues are exploring scalable, multi-sport solutions, with plans for at-home accessibility on the horizon.

Fan Testimonial

Conclusion

By making live sports truly accessible, NBA teams are not only embracing new technology—they’re enriching communities and proving that everyone deserves to feel at home in the stands.