Billl Kennedy makes a call in a game between the LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Luke Hales / Getty Images
ORLANDO — Bill Kennedy, one of the NBA’s most prominent officials, left Friday’s Orlando Magic-Philadelphia 76ers game in a wheelchair after suffering what appears to be a serious leg injury.
The incident happened with two minutes and 38 seconds left in the first quarter. As Kennedy ran down the floor on a 76ers fast break, he started limping as if he suffered a non-contact injury. After going down to his knees following a timeout, he was immediately surrounded by 76ers support staff, trainers and fellow referee James Williams. Kennedy was taken off the floor in a wheelchair, a towel draped over his head and appeared to be in significant pain.
NBA referee Bill Kennedy appeared to suffer an injury during Sixers-Magic and was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair 🤕
Hope Bill is okay 🙏pic.twitter.com/dOmiz3xLLI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 10, 2026
He was later ruled out for the game with a right leg injury.
Kennedy, 59, has long been one of the best officials in the league, carrying a reputation for communicating clearly with players and coaches. He is also known for his unique approach to announcing the result of coaches’ challenges, where he is known to dramatically pause at various points to heighten the drama of the decision. Earlier this month, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said he challenged a late-game call because he “really just kind of wanted to hear Billy Kennedy.”
Can Bill Kennedy review every Coach’s Challenge? 🤣
🎥 @NBCSBoston pic.twitter.com/J0VeqGi18A
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 27, 2025
Kennedy has refereed 26 NBA seasons, including 139 playoff games and six NBA Finals series. His hidden talent is karaoke, according to his biography page, providing a hint to his style as an entertainer.