Do first, ask for forgiveness later.
How one startup’s boldness helped them land a meeting with the NBA.
A wearable tech startup called Whoop made headlines early last week after Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Matthew Dellavedova wore its biometric wristband in 15 of the 16 games the team played in March. Dellavedova nor the Cavaliers provided notice to the NBA about using the device. Once league officials became aware on March 31st, Dellavedova was warned from using it again as such tech devices are not permitted for in-game use.
Whoop is a sports tech startup based out Boston and was founded in 2012 by former Harvard varsity athlete, Will Ahmed. The company has developed a device that claims to measure the exertion levels of an athlete and provides suggested rest periods to help minimize the risk of injury.
In a statement issued to ESPN, Ahmed states that Whoop is already a valuable asset off-the-court although NBA players should not be deprived of the ability to analyze the data generated from their performance on-the-court.
NBA teams are allowed to use wearables during practices although the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) currently disallows them for in-game use — but not for long.
According to league sources, the NBA’s Players Union will meet with Whoop today to further explore the opportunities of using the device (and presumably other wearable tech) during games. The league and the union have both been in favor of the devices in previous years although have seemingly put off discussions due to privacy concerns of the data collected.
Fresh off the heels of MLB’s announcement to allow the use of in-game wearable devices this season, signs seem to point to the NBA as the next major league to fully embrace sports tech. If Whoop plays their cards right, a decision by the NBA Players’ Union to amend the CBA for the inclusion of wearables could set a major precedent for other leagues on the fence of tech adoption.
Regardless of the outcome, you have to commend Whoop for making quite the splash (albeit purposefully), and compelling the NBA to re-visit the topic.
About the author:
Igli is a sports tech entrepreneur based out of Toronto, Canada. Passionate about sports, entrepreneurship, and community building.
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