Basketball is entering a new era with the introduction of LED courts. This innovation, which combines visual spectacle, interactivity and advanced analysis tools, is completely transforming the way basketball is played, watched and experienced – both in competitive and training environments.
So, what are LED courts? They are basketball courts with highly resistant glass surfaces equipped with luminous panels that act as a giant screen. This allows the court to project images, graphics, animations and data in real time, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for players, coaches and spectators.
This innovation brings many advantages and features, see some of them:
- Show and entertainment: Every basket, play or break can be accompanied by animated graphics, visual reactions and special effects. This takes the spectacle to another level, making each game a true visual event.
- Displaying statistics and technical zones: The court can show you the most effective shooting zones, heat maps, shooting percentages, and even indicate defensive and offensive positioning in real time.
- Personalization and branding: It can be quickly customized with a team logo, sponsors or a competition's visual identity, without the need to change physical floors. Ideal for large events and television broadcasts.
- Powerful Training Tool: During training, the coach can use a tablet to indicate tactical movements. The instructions are projected directly onto the pitch: arrows, blocking zones, passing or defending paths. The notes can be interactive and synchronized with the players’ movements, improving tactical understanding and reducing errors.
One of the most striking examples of the use of this technology was the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, where the LED court was used for the first time in a major professional competition. The court was transformed into an interactive platform with animations for each basket, real-time information graphics, and incredible visual transitions during halftime. The impact was immediate: fans were thrilled with the spectacle, and the event gained even more global repercussion on social media and broadcasts.
FIBA has also tested these courts in tournaments such as the U-19 World Cup, and everything indicates that the trend will gradually be implemented in other international competitions and professional leagues.
Although the technology is promising, there are still barriers such as the high cost of installation, specialized maintenance and adaptation to the official rules of the game. However, with technological evolution and increased demand, it is likely to become more accessible in gyms, clubs and high-performance training centers.
