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During the NBA game on March 2 between the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves, a remarkable moment unfolded when a player made a stunning half-court shot, sending ripples of excitement through the audience at PHX Arena. Jordan Moon, a participant from Saavi Services for the Blind, experienced this moment differently than most, as he is blind and typically relies on others to inform him of game events.
However, this time, his experience was transformed. Moon and his group were testing innovative tactile tablets created by OneCourt, a Seattle-based startup, which are designed to enable blind and low-vision fans to engage with live games. These tablets replicate the basketball court’s layout and utilize vibrations to indicate ball movement or significant events on the court, such as free throws or half-court shots.
When the ball made its way through the net, the tablet vibrated, and Moon expressed his joy, cheering along with the packed crowd. “That was really cool, actually, because that was just something that wasn’t even a part of the game,” Moon remarked, emphasizing how these devices enhance the overall fan experience.
OneCourt, alongside other technology firms focused on accessibility, aims to improve the game-day experience for fans who are blind or have low vision. These efforts are part of a broader movement to integrate accessible technology into sporting events through partnerships with professional sports teams.
Innovative Technology at Play
Tactile tablets have emerged as a leading tool in the realm of accessible sports technology, functioning like miniature sports fields. The devices use vibrations to convey essential information, including the ball’s position, scoring attempts, and fouls. Users can also access audio features to receive ongoing game updates.
Since its inception in 2021, OneCourt has rapidly expanded its presence in the United States, particularly after its collaboration with T-Mobile and Major League Baseball during the All-Star Game in mid-2024. Following a successful pilot program with OneCourt, the Portland Trail Blazers became the first professional sports team to employ these devices at all home games, with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns joining later.
Jerred Mace, the founder and CEO of OneCourt, describes the company as the first “tactile broadcaster,” aiming to offer detailed in-game experiences through their technology. Mace plans to extend the reach of OneCourt by introducing the tablets for home use by 2026.
Internationally, other companies like Touch2see and Field of Vision are innovating in the same space. Touch2see has provided tactile tablets to Major League Soccer franchises and events such as the Rugby World Cup, while Field of Vision operates in several stadiums in Dublin and Melbourne.
Enhancing User Experience
As these companies develop their devices, they prioritize iterative design and feedback from users who are blind or have low vision. Kunal Mehta, OneCourt’s user experience designer, emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and minimizing barriers to access. This collaborative approach ensures that the devices offer a seamless experience, allowing users to enjoy live games alongside their friends and family.
John Brimacombe, sales director at Touch2see, echoed the sentiment that enhancing the social aspect of attending live sports is vital. Portability and ease of use have also been critical factors in the design of these tablets, ensuring fans can engage fully during events.
Rapid data transmission is another focus, with OneCourt connecting to the NBA’s real-time game data to provide instantaneous updates to users. Other firms have incorporated stadium cameras for accurate information relay, demonstrating a commitment to timely accessibility.
Funding and Financial Models
The implementation of these devices in arenas has largely relied on a combination of sponsorships and partnerships. Ticketmaster, a subsidiary of Live Nation, has supported several NBA agreements with OneCourt, bringing tactile devices to locations in Portland, Sacramento, and Phoenix. This partnership aligns with the company’s aim to enhance accessibility for visually impaired fans.
Brimacombe noted that Touch2see often operates under a business-to-business model, with teams or leagues covering the expenses, while also seeking corporate sponsorship for specific events.
User Experiences and Feedback
Feedback from blind and low-vision users at these events has indicated that while these technologies show great promise, there is still room for enhancement. Moon and fellow tester Macaulay Beasley shared their experiences using OneCourt’s devices during the Suns game. Beasley, initially skeptical, found himself notably engaged with the game, reminiscent of his previous experiences with sight.
While OneCourt includes auto-generated audio commentary, users like Moon and Beasley believe it would be further improved by integrating live radio broadcasts, enhancing contextual understanding of game dynamics.
Mehta highlighted the tablets’ role in helping users develop spatial awareness, illustrating the growth of understanding that comes with experiencing the game’s physicality. Others, like Paralympic athlete Daniele Cassioli, expressed a desire for these devices to become more interactive to deepen engagement with gameplay strategies.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the advancements in technology, some accessibility advocates express concern that these initiatives risk becoming fleeting trends. Liz Jackson, who coined the term “disability dongle,” warned that many solutions fail to deliver long-term utility, ultimately leading to disappointment among users. She stresses the importance of sustainability in technology for the disabled community.
Rua Mae Williams, a user experience design expert, echoes this concern, highlighting the need for tech firms to demonstrate long-term viability in their products to avoid creating dependency without reliable support.
In response, Mace emphasizes OneCourt’s commitment to sustainability through plans to extend accessibility to home settings. Currently, many partnerships with sports teams are short-term, with OneCourt expressing hopes of longer-lasting agreements to enhance fan experiences moving forward.
However, barriers remain for blind and low-vision fans beyond the sphere of technology. Moon has expressed the need for better training for staff at venues to ensure that accommodations are accessible. Beasley pointed out that ticketing apps, such as Ticketmaster’s, still lack full accessibility for blind users.
While a Ticketmaster representative acknowledged their ongoing commitment to improving access for visually impaired fans, practical challenges persist, as some devices experienced connectivity issues during games.
Nevertheless, teams collaborating with OneCourt are focused on continually improving accessibility, with initiatives that include sensory rooms and partnerships with organizations such as Saavi. “Our fans are really at the center of our universe,” stated Matthew Gardner of the Trail Blazers, encapsulating the mission to enhance the fan experience.
Disclosure: CNBC parent NBCUniversal owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. NBC Olympics is the U.S. broadcast rights holder to all Summer and Winter Games through 2036.
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