NBA and Onecourt Revolutionize Fan Experience with Haptic Technology for Visually Impaired Fans

The National Basketball Association (NBA), one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States and globally, attracted over 22 million fans and followers in enclosures only during the 2023-2024 season. With such a massive fan base, the NBA and its franchises face the challenge of meeting the demands of fans with various disabilities. One significant barrier is visual impairment, which Onecourt is now working to eliminate.

Innovative Haptic Devices Bring the Game to Life

The rise in haptic technology is making basketball games more accessible for visually impaired fans. Onecourt, a pioneering company, recently unveiled a new haptic device that provides users with tactile feedback through vibrations. This technology allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the live action of any NBA game, regardless of their visual limitations.

One early adopter of this technology is Brian Vu, a seasoned NBA fan who has a low visual acuity. He experienced the technology firsthand at a Portland Trail Blazers game. Vu shared that the haptic device allowed him to engage in the game in real-time, feeling every move through vibrations on his fingers. This breakthrough made him feel as connected to the game as the roughly 18,000 other fans in the standing-room-only crowd at the Fashion Center, especially when the Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 115 to 99. The experience he had using OneCourt Vu said he felt like he was involved in the game for the first time.

The Trail Blazers were the first NBA team to offer this technology to fans in January, following three pilot tests conducted in the spring of the previous year. Since then, the Sacramento Kings have followed suit, becoming the second NBA team to adopt this technology for fans.

How the Haptic Device Works

This device, roughly the size of a tablet and shaped like a basketball court, uses vibrations to guide users through the various movements on the court, informing them about the gameplay and score in real-time.

With a headset describing the moment-by-moment action to the wearer, a suite of 1600 actuators under the surface of the device assists in accommodating various plays, whether it’s an intercept, a block, a triple, or any other dynamic moment in the game.

Meet the Mastermind Behind Onecourt

Onecourt was created by Jerred Mace, whose personal experiences with visual disabilities have driven his motivation and passion for this technology. Having had his own struggles with vision, Mace is particularly committed to making this technology a part of the lives of everyone interested in sports. At 24 years old, Jerred grew up in Spokane, Washington, where both of his parents had disabilities.

Those challenges made him incredibly empathetic to those living with disabilities. “You combine those experiences, and I think that inspired me to this work,” Mace said, who repeated his passion for making the world equally accessible to the visually impaired while also putting into words his mission.

“It always felt isolated, now it is a different experience for our visitors.” Mace’s firm is part of a broader culture within the organization preparing to support NBA fans everywhere with physical access issues.”

Access is supported by encouraging player development, and 2024 has so far been deemed a successful year.

In the Science and Technology fair of the University of Washington, Sports.tv showcased the innovative Haptic Technology used by Onecourt in real-time action scenarios. Winning first place and a $2,000 prize.

Optical monitoring technology for live games is now provided by the NBA partners in each stadium. Mace approached the Trail Blazers with this proposition, who then introduced his company to the NBA. This attracted the attention of the league executives, making the idea a stepping stone for further NBA project development.

The Creator of NBA and OneCourt had the potential to change someone’s life

Without a doubt, it demonstrated commercial validation of NBA players.

FAQs: How is Haptic Technology Changing the NBA Experience?

What is the NBA doing to make games more accessible for visually impaired fans?

In early 2025, the NBA partnered with Onecourt to introduce a haptic device, vibrations that allow visually impaired fans to feel the action of the game. The Trail Blazers were the first to introduce the device, extending the reach of the sport to those who might otherwise be excluded from this experience.

Who is Jerred Mace?

Jerred Mace is the founder of Onecourt, the company behind the innovative haptic technology used at NBA games to help those with visual impairments enjoy the sport. His experience growing up with vision issues inspired him to create a way for fans to experience the game in a tactile manner.

How does the haptic device work?

The haptic device features 1,600 actuators that vibrate to simulate the action on the court, while the headset plays out the moment-by-moment action.

Where can I learn more about Onecourt?

To learn more about the mission of Onecourt, including their innovative technology and future plans, you can visit their official website. While not immediately clear, engagement is welcomed and the organization works with the NBA to expand the reach of these initiatives everywhere. It was a good source of professional achievements too in the sports arena.

Final Thoughts on the Future of Haptic Technology in Sports

Onecourt’s haptic device represents a groundbreaking step toward fully inclusive sports viewing. By enhancing fan experience through real-time, tactile feedback, the NBA is leading the way toward a more accessible and thrilling future for sports enthusiasts. This transformation has significant emotional weight with moments drastically helping those who normally would feel left out, often belies the continued love for the game.

Consider checking out our other articles detailing developments in sports accessibility and technology. If you’ve ever attended a live game, you know the energy is electric.