The 2025 WNBA All-Star Recreation will characteristic a collection of experimental rule adjustments geared toward growing tempo and fan engagement, together with the debut of a 4-point shot and three different modifications that may solely be in impact throughout the exhibition occasion.
The sport, which options Staff Caitlin Clark vs. Staff Napheesa Collier, will likely be performed Saturday, July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tipoff is ready for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The WNBA introduced the rule adjustments Wednesday, highlighting an effort to carry added vitality and scoring potential to its annual midseason showcase.
4-Level Shot Circles Added
For the primary time in WNBA historical past, gamers will be capable to rating 4 factors on a single shot. 4 circles—two on every finish of the court docket—will likely be positioned 28 toes from the basket, roughly six toes past the present 3-point line. Every circle will likely be 4 toes in diameter and designated because the 4-point shot space.
Any shot made by a participant with contact inside a type of circles on the time of the try will rely for 4 factors. Along with the added scoring potential, a charitable donation will likely be made for each 4-point shot transformed. The contributions will go to foundations supported by the WNBA and chosen by taking part gamers.
Shot Clock Shortened to twenty Seconds
The usual 24-second shot clock will likely be diminished to twenty seconds for the All-Star Recreation. The shot clock will nonetheless reset to 14 seconds following an offensive rebound, according to present WNBA guidelines. The adjustment is meant to create a quicker tempo and extra possessions throughout the recreation.
Stay-Play Substitutions Allowed
Groups will likely be permitted to make substitutions whereas the ball is in play, just like adjustments in hockey, however below particular restrictions. Solely the offensive staff might substitute, and just one substitution is allowed per possession.
A substitution can solely happen whereas the staff has possession of the ball within the backcourt. Each the coming into and exiting gamers should full the change throughout the designated substitution space between the 28-foot mark and the half-court line. The incoming participant can’t contact the ball whereas it stays within the backcourt. Violations of any of those tips will end in a turnover.
Free Throws Changed with Computerized Factors
Most free throws will likely be faraway from gameplay. As a substitute of capturing from the road, gamers will mechanically be awarded the utmost variety of factors potential primarily based on the foul state of affairs. The field rating will nonetheless mirror the corresponding variety of free throws as tried and made.
The one time gamers will bodily shoot free throws will likely be throughout the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and all through any extra time intervals. The change is anticipated to maintain the motion flowing and reduce stoppages.
The WNBA has a long-standing custom of utilizing the All-Star Recreation to check progressive concepts. Whether or not these experimental guidelines achieve traction for broader implementation stays to be seen, however they’re sure to carry a singular really feel to Saturday’s recreation in Indianapolis.
