Suns boost accessibility for blind fans

Article posted by Coliseum, March 28^th, 2025

Image: Phoenix Suns

The NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Mercury have teamed up with OneCourt to enhance accessibility for basketball fans who are blind and low vision, with devices that utilize tactile broadcast technology.

NBA.com said 10 OneCourt devices are available free of charge at every home game – the most devices available in the NBA – allowing fans who are blind or low vision to feel and experience a live Suns home game in an entirely different way.

OneCourt’s cutting-edge tactile broadcast technology converts NBA live gameplay data into audio and trackable vibrations, allowing users to follow each play live with their fingertips on a tablet-sized device.

The real-time data is translated into OneCourt’s haptic language and experienced by the fan as intuitive vibrations on the surface of the display.

The Phoenix Suns are an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona (US). The Suns compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. They are the only team in their division not to be based in California.

The Phoenix Mercury is an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona (US) playing in the Western Conference in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). One of eight original franchises, it was founded before the league’s inaugural 1997 season began.

The 18,422-capacity PHX Arena is a multipurpose arena in Phoenix, Arizona. It opened under the name America West Arena on June 6^th, 1992 at a cost of $89 million. It serves as the digs of the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury.

Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation Executive Director Sarah Krahenbuhl, said, “We are excited to further the fan experience with OneCourt’s innovative technology and offer more fans the opportunity to feel connected to the game.

“The devices help make Suns games more accessible which is part of our continued commitment to elevate the game experience one fan at a time.”

Ticketmaster is also involved with the project. Senior Director of Client Development Scott Aller said, “Ticketmaster is dedicated to connecting fans with the moments that matter most.

“Through our partnership with the Phoenix Suns and OneCourt, we’re transforming how blind and low vision fans experience the game through innovative technology. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that make the live events more accessible and engaging for all fans.”

OneCourt Founder and CEO Jerred Mace added, “OneCourt is excited to partner with the Phoenix Suns and Ticketmaster to enhance accessibility in live sports.

“By providing 10 devices at PHX Arena, we are demonstrating what’s possible when technology, sports and community come together. OneCourt is setting a new standard for accessibility in live sports.”

Devices are available for check out on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans can submit a reservation inquiry in advance or visit Guest Services located in the arena pavilion on game day.

Individuals from Saavi Services for the Blind, a local blindness rehabilitation training center, tested the devices at the Suns game on March 2.

OneCourt is a Seattle-based start-up that has created the world’s first tactile broadcast, making live sports accessible to all.

In 2021, OneCourt started as an undergraduate project at the University of Washington. Today, OneCourt is offered in three NBA Venues, a 2025 NBA Launchpad Company, a Microsoft AI For Accessibility Grant Winner, and the new standard for accessibility in live sports.

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