Nba To Test Intriguing Free-throw Rule Throughout 2026 Summer League Games

NBA to test intriguing free-throw rule throughout 2026 summer league games originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The NBA announced it will implement and test an intriguing new rule during the upcoming 2026 summer league events.

The “one free throw rule” is exactly what it sounds like. Under this rule, players will shoot just one free throw, regardless of where they were fouled, and if it’s a make, it will count for the one, two or three points that apply.

For instance, if a player is fouled on a two-point attempt, they will shoot one free throw, and if they make it, it will be worth two points. The same applies if a shooter is fouled at the 3-point line; their one free-throw make would be worth three points.

But traditional NBA free-throw rules won’t completely be tossed out the window, as they will apply during the final two minutes of regulation and overtime.

The NBA G League has implemented this rule since the 2019-20 season to improve game flow, and it appears the NBA could be leaning toward doing the same.

Some fans already have expressed their concerns on social media, worrying that this rule would reward inefficient free-throw shooters.

But there could be an argument for game flow improvement, with slower free-throw shooters such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, or players with several free-throw visits such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to speed up their respective games.

The experimenting doesn’t end there for the NBA.

The “connected basketball” also will be tested throughout summer league, where the ball will contain an embedded sensor that detects contact with the ball. The sensor won’t materially affect the ball’s weight, feel or playability, the NBA assured, adding that data collected from the ball will support officials with calls such as last-touch-out-of-bounds calls.

As we’ve come to learn, the NBA constantly is evolving. We see it with MLB and the ABS system.

Perhaps the future is right in front of us.

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