Image of a fan using the device at a baseball game.
Accessible Tech An Innovative Leap for blind and low vision sports fans

OneCourt: Revolutionizing accessibility in live sports

Authored by Ioana Tanase, AI and Inclusivity Program Manager

OneCourt, a Seattle-based startup, is on a mission to make live sports more accessible to fans who are Blind or Low Vision (BLV). By translating live gameplay data into trackable vibrations and audio commentary, OneCourt helps fans experience their favorite professional sports with their fingertips. The startup is launching commercially in stadiums and arenas before scaling to reach fans at home. 

The primary focus of OneCourt’s recent AI for Accessibility grant from Microsoft was to enhance the comprehension of live sports gameplay among BLV sports fans using data-generated haptics and audio description. Initially, OneCourt conducted a usability study to explore how tactile and audible feedback contribute to gameplay comprehension across sports like football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. The findings revealed that while audio is better suited for communicating gameplay events, player names, and emotions, haptics and tactile graphics are more preferred when conveying spatial details. 

By combining the best aspects of each sensory input, OneCourt developed a pilot product that delivers a holistic and engaging experience. Fans rated their comprehension 74.3% higher when using OneCourt’s combination of haptic vibrations and generative audio description compared to traditional radio alone. 

This increased comprehension has significantly enhanced enjoyment and independence for BLV fans in both stadium and home environments. During a multi-game pilot with the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023/2024 NBA season, fans experienced the action in real time, engaging with the game and reacting alongside the crowd. Many fans described feeling like a part of the game for the first time. The tech is returning to the Moda Center this season through a partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers and Ticketmaster. The Trail Blazers are the first professional sports team to provide the OneCourt haptic display at every home game.  

OneCourt’s patent-pending haptic display outputs trackable vibrations and generative audio based on real-time data from professional sports leagues, allowing fans to follow the gameplay in real time. An interchangeable tactile graphic of the court or field contextualizes the vibrations, enabling the viewing of multiple sports on the same device. The development of a Haptic Language to non-visually communicate events such as passes, catches, scores, and kicks, paired with customizable audio feeds called Audio Bites, provides fans with holistic access to sports content.  

Powered by Microsoft Azure, OneCourt processes and streams its tactile broadcast to devices in real time, delivering a seamless experience for BLV sports fans. The co-creation process has evolved from structured collaboration in “lab” environments to authentic experiences in stadiums and community hubs. These real-world interactions have provided invaluable insights, helping to refine OneCourt’s product and outlook. OneCourt continues to work alongside the BLV community to build an intuitive and holistic Tactile Broadcast. 

OneCourt’s next-generation display is fully interactive, allowing fans to select and play live sports content, customize their experiences through fan profiles, and learn about new sports through tutorials. The company is expanding its experience in stadiums and arenas across the US before reaching fans at home. 

For more information and updates, visit OneCourt’s website at onecourt.io, where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter or join the waitlist to be the first to know when OneCourt becomes available.