Why’d the NBA launch a startup incubator?

From wearables to VR, there’s a wide range of new tech that can help athletes step up their game.

But unless they’re plugged in, players may not know about it.

Enter NBA Launchpad — a startup incubator investing in next-gen tech for the basketball community.

What kind of tech?

Not the three-point-shot-sinking Japanese robot kind. Instead, Launchpad looks at startups in four areas: injury prevention, youth player performance, mental health, and referee training (yes, please).

Here’s how it works:

• Startups apply in one of those categories.
• The NBA holds a “selection day” (think “Shark Tank,” but NBA).
• Finalists run a six-month pilot with the NBA’s resources at their disposal.

This year’s finalists include an adaptive ankle brace, a VR training platform, and a breathwork app.

The NBA’s goal…

… is to eventually offer these products to players and refs to improve performance and quality of play.

Some teams — ahem, the Knicks — may need them more than others.