Report: NBA to require players, some staffers to wear contact tracing devices

The NBA will require players and certain team staffers to wear COVID-19 contact tracing sensor devices during non-game team activities beginning Jan. 7, according to a league memo obtained by ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

Players and coaches defined as "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" individuals must reportedly wear the devices in practice and travel environments. Those who fail to do so will be subject to undetermined discipline, according to Holmes.

Some individuals voluntarily used the Kinexon SafeZone devices within the NBA's Orlando bubble last season. The NFL has also used the sensors, which record the distance and duration of in-person interactions between those wearing them.

The device's "proximity alarm" feature will be disabled this season, according to Holmes, who reports the sensor does not track the wearer's location via GPS.

The NBA on Tuesday reported zero new COVID-19 cases among players over the previous week.