4-point shot and live-play subs highlight 2025 WNBA All-Star Game rule changes
On Wednesday, the WNBA announced four special rules will be in play at the All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to provide "added entertainment and an enhanced pace of play" for one night only on Saturday. The changes include a four-point shot deep from the logo and live-play substitutions similar to hockey.
Special rules were first implemented at the 2022 All-Star game in Chicago, leading to Team A'ja Wilson's high-energy 134-112 win over Team Breanna Stewart. Here's a breakdown for each rule:
AT&T 4-Point shot
The 4-point shot is back. The 4-point shot was first implemented at the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game and made an appearance at the 2023 edition, before going on hiatus in the 2024 WNBA exhibition game between the U.S. women's national team and Team WNBA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Each player will have the opportunity to score four points by shooting at a designated 'AT&T 4-Point Shot' area on the court, made up of four circles placed 28-feet from the rim, six feet further than the 3-point line. For every 4-point shot successfully made, AT&T will donate to a foundation selected by the WNBA and players.
THE STAGE IS SET 🌟Team Clark and Team Collier have locked in their final rosters for the 2025 @ATT WNBA All-Star Game!Watch them take the court in Indianapolis July 19 at 8:30pm/ET on ABC. pic.twitter.com/sfFEELUyGb
Live-play substitutions
The WNBA is taking a page from the NHL's playbook. Team's will be allowed to make hockey-like player substitutions while the ball is in play, but only under certain conditions. The team on offense is the only one permitted to make a live-play substitution and only one player is allowed per possession. According to the WNBA:
Any violations of these conditions will result in a turnover.
20-second shot clock
Bye-bye, 24 second shot clock. Players will have to get to the basket a little quicker as the shot clock will be shortened from 24 to 20 seconds. Following an offensive rebound, the shot clock will be reset to 14 seconds.
No free throws
Free throws are being shown the door. Anytime a player is required to shoot a free throw, they will "automatically be credited with the maximum available point(s) given the situation," the league explained. Free throws will only be in play in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and in overtime.
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