Hardwood floors have been the standard in basketball for over a century. But now, thanks to emerging LED court technology, that tradition may be on its way out. The NBA, along with several international leagues, is actively testing high-tech LED glass floors that could fundamentally change the look and feel of the game—from how it’s played to how it’s viewed.

While this might sound like something out of a video game, it’s very real—and it’s already been put to the test. They provide dynamic visual feedback for players and fans alike. The result? A radically different game environment—and one that might give your next GGBet wager a whole new set of variables to consider.

NBA Teams Up with ASB GlassFloor

The league’s partner in this technological leap is ASB GlassFloor, a German manufacturer behind the world’s first FIBA-certified LED basketball court. The flooring was debuted on a global stage at NBA All-Star 2024 in Indianapolis, where fans got a taste of real-time player stats, animated graphics, and customizable court designs—all projected directly onto the surface during gameplay.

To some mixed reviews, the LED court’s capabilities were showcased during the Celebrity Game and other All-Star Weekend events at Lucas Oil Stadium. This wasn’t just a visual stunt; the court met professional safety and performance standards, giving players confidence despite the unfamiliar surface. European teams like FC Bayern Munich have already committed to LED courts in their home arenas—suggesting this isn’t a short-term gimmick.

Wait, Are LED Glass Courts Good For Basketball?

As great as this sounds for the fans, how does changing the integrity of the floor affect the actual gameplay and the safety of the players? On paper, the court is better and has been tested for safety for everyone involved including the players. The court is pressure-sensitive, enabling real-time interaction with players’ movements. Coaches can use it to visualize tactical sets, while players can review positional data mid-drill. It also opens doors for advanced training integrations, AR overlays, and even real-time injury risk detection through movement analytics.

At its core, the ASB LED floor is constructed using a high-strength aluminum and steel substructure topped with a tempered glass surface. Embedded underneath are high-resolution LED modules that transform the entire playing surface into a digital display—capable of showing everything from line markings to branded sponsor graphics to on-the-fly player tracking.

In October 2024, the University of Kentucky became the first NCAA Division I program to debut the LED court during Big Blue Madness. Head coach Mark Pope called the experience “a next-level tool for engagement and performance,” noting early player feedback cited improved surface consistency and reduced post-game soreness compared to standard wood.

With the NCAA often serving as a testing ground for innovations before they hit the NBA, it’s likely more Division I schools will explore the technology in 2025. Despite its glass surface, the court maintains a coefficient of friction comparable to traditional hardwood, meeting FIBA and NBA safety requirements.

NBA Innovation

Whatever happens, the NBA is all about growing the game. With everyone talking about lower ratings, the league is serious about engaging fans in new and innovative ways. The LED courts could be a change that sticks or could the way of the shorter three point line. The NBA continues to evaluate the long-term feasibility of LED courts. A dedicated testing facility in Orlando is gathering data on player performance, injury prevention, fan engagement, and potential for new monetization strategies—especially in-court advertising opportunities. Imagine digital sponsor placements that appear during stoppages or change dynamically during gameplay.

The primary logistical challenge? Setup time. Installing an LED court takes approximately 18 hours—compared to 2–3 hours for traditional wood. That’s a serious bottleneck for a league with a tight game schedule. However, as the technology matures, streamlined setup and modular designs could mitigate this. If that happens, it won’t just be a flash in the pan. LED floors may become the new norm—redefining not just how the game is played, but how it’s visualized and commercialized.