La Liga announces the adoption of the “smart ball” to enhance refereeing decisions in the 2026-2027 season.
La Liga has unveiled the Puma Stellar Nitro Ultimate, a smart ball equipped with advanced communication technologies, coinciding with the start of the 2026-2027 season this Friday.
This move aims to enhance the accuracy of refereeing decisions by integrating real-time technology into the game. The new ball is designed to efficiently transmit data, contributing to the resolution of controversial situations on the field.
The ball features a 15-gram sensor that transmits 560 signals per second to antennas distributed around the pitch, providing precise data to assist referees in cases of offside, invisible handballs, and the timing of strong tackles.
In this regard, Luis Mosquera, a football data technology expert at Kinnexson, explained the nature of this technology, saying, “It’s a regular ball with a sensor inside. Practically speaking, it’s a normal ball; there’s no difference in the game or the ball’s trajectory, and it doesn’t change anything.” He emphasized that the technological addition does not affect the ball’s technical characteristics.
These balls require a 90-minute charging cycle to provide up to five hours of operation. Each stadium in the Spanish league is equipped with approximately 12 antennas and 20 charging stations to ensure complete coverage and continuous operation of the system throughout matches.
In terms of organization, the league has established a strict protocol for the safekeeping of the balls and verifying their readiness four hours before kickoff, under the supervision of the match director.
