From CNBC: 2025-04-13 08:00:00

At a Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game on March 2, blind spectators used tactile tablets from OneCourt to follow the action through vibrations. The tablets mimic the basketball court layout and vibrate when events occur, enhancing the fan experience for visually impaired individuals. OneCourt is pioneering accessible tech for live sports.

OneCourt’s tactile tablets are leading the way in providing live-sports tech for blind individuals. The tablets vibrate to convey the ball’s location, scoring attempts, and fouls. Major sports franchises like MLB and the NBA are partnering with OneCourt to offer these devices at games. The company aims to introduce the tablets to users’ homes by 2026.

Companies like Touch2see and Field of Vision are also offering tactile tablets for visually impaired fans at live sports events. These devices use magnetic cursors to track the ball’s movement. Collaboration with blind and low-vision individuals has been crucial in fine-tuning the design and user experience of these tablets.

Ticketmaster-sponsored activations of OneCourt tablets at NBA games are providing visually impaired fans with an enhanced sports experience. The financial model for these devices includes sponsorships and paid agreements with teams and leagues. Blind and low-vision individuals who have tested the tablets at games have found them promising but see room for improvement in the technology. Saavi instructor Beasley found increased engagement with sports crowds and games. OneCourt’s device offers auto-generated audio commentary, but Moon and Beasley prefer direct radio connection. Touch2see’s device aids spatial awareness for visually impaired users. Blind Paralympic water skier Cassioli praises technology for enhancing game understanding and accessibility. Accessibility experts warn of the potential for live-game devices for blind fans to disappoint in the long term. Some tech startups fail to consider long-term sustainability for disabled users. OneCourt aims to bring tablets to homes to sustain accessibility for the visually impaired. NBA agreements with device developers are short-term, but teams like the Kings, Suns, and Trail Blazers aim to enhance fan experience for disabled patrons. Saavi’s Moon urges better training for guest services staff to assist visually impaired attendees at live events. Ticketmaster’s app is inaccessible for blind users, prompting the company to focus on improving accessibility. Some OneCourt devices experienced technical difficulties during games, impacting user experience. NBA teams working with OneCourt strive to improve accessibility at home venues for visually impaired fans.



Read more at CNBC: Sports teams adopt tactile tech for blind and low-vision fans