A mere few days after concluding their season, the Brooklyn Nets have taken another significant stride in enhancing the accessibility of basketball. Collaborating with Ticketmaster and OneCourt, they are set to introduce "braille for sports," a tactile broadcast system designed for blind and low-vision fans. This technology will be available free of charge during home games at Barclays Center. The innovation allows these fans to stay updated on live gameplay through audible score updates via an earpiece and haptic vibrations on tablet-like devices. Originating from Seattle-based startup OneCourt, this technology was first utilized by the Portland Trail Blazers and now makes its debut on the East Coast with the Nets. It marks a revolutionary step towards inclusivity in professional sports.
The initiative aims to provide all sports enthusiasts with an engaging, live-action experience regardless of their physical abilities. Keia Cole, Chief Digital Officer at BSE Global, emphasized that this partnership would unlock new dimensions for visually impaired fans. Supported by Ticketmaster, the Nets continue to prioritize fan accessibility and inclusivity at Barclays Center. Notably, Brooklyn stands as the inaugural East Coast professional sports team to adopt this form of broadcasting. Other NBA teams currently utilizing it include the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns, but availability remains exclusive to home games for the Nets.
Jerred Mace, CEO of OneCourt, expressed pride in collaborating with the Nets and Ticketmaster to extend their reach within the NBA. He highlighted the rapid growth of OneCourt's influence on fans, attributing it to shared values of inclusivity and immersive experiences. During the 2024-25 season, the Nets invited members from VISIONS – Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to test the technology, gathering valuable feedback. Mike Cush, Chief Program Officer at VISIONS, noted that many visually impaired sports fans avoid attending live games due to perceived limitations in experiencing the visual aspects. However, OneCourt bridges this gap, enabling them to 'feel' the game without relying on sighted assistance.
Mike Cush, a blind basketball enthusiast himself, described OneCourt as a transformative tool in how he experiences live games. He commended the Nets for integrating this technology, offering visually impaired basketball fans a fully immersive experience. The Nets have previously demonstrated commitment to enhancing accessibility. In 2021, they became the first sports arena to establish a designated sensory room for fans requiring quieter, more secure environments during events. Additionally, they offer support services such as assistive listening devices, captioning, and audio descriptions.
This latest endeavor by the Brooklyn Nets exemplifies their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all fans. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and providing diverse support services, they continue to redefine the fan experience in professional sports. Their efforts ensure that every individual can enjoy the excitement of live games, irrespective of any physical challenges they may face.