FIBA Official Basketball Rules: What's Changing for the 2026–2027 Season

MMBRA
1 day ago
5 min read

FIBA has published its official rule changes for the 2026–2027 season, valid as of 1 October 2026. These are some of the most significant modifications to the rulebook in recent years, introducing a new foul classification system and a more precise definition of the act of shooting.

Act of Shooting - Article 15

One of the most impactful changes this cycle addresses how we define and recognize the act of shooting (AOS). This update was driven by the growing trend of players manipulating situations — particularly in transition and half-court offense — to manufacture shooting fouls.

The rulebook now distinguishes between two types of shots with separate definitions for when the AOS begins and ends:

Jump shots and other moving shots — The AOS starts when the player begins to move both the shoulders and the ball upward toward the basket. It ends when the ball has left the player's hand(s), or when an entirely new AOS begins. For airborne shooters, both feet must have returned to the floor.

Drives to the basket (continuous movement) — The AOS starts when the player has gathered the ball and it comes to rest in the hand(s), upon completion of a dribble or a catch in the air, and the player continues the shooting motion. This type of AOS is specifically defined as an action in the team's frontcourt, typically between the offensive 3-point line and the basket.

Key addition: A player must generally be in the frontcourt to be considered in the act of shooting. The exception applies only for the last action before the expiration of a game clock (end of quarter/overtime) or the shot clock at any time during the game.

The rules also now specify when a fouled player is no longer considered to have been in the AOS. On jump shots or other moving shots, if after being fouled the player passes the ball off, moves the ball upward away from the basket, or is not facing the basket when the ball moves upward — the AOS ends. On drives to the basket, passing the ball off after a foul ends the AOS.

Technical Fouls - Article 36

Technical fouls (TFs) have been divided into two categories based on nature and severity. This change brings proportionality to the disciplinary system, addressing the concern that the previous single-category TF was overly strict when it came to game disqualification.

Category 1 technical fouls are more severe in nature and count toward game disqualification (GD). Examples include: disrespectfully dealing with referees, table officials, opponents or bench personnel; using offensive language or gestures toward spectators; baiting, taunting or provoking an opponent (including physical contact that does not rise to the level of a flagrant foul); obstructing an opponent's vision; excessive elbow swinging without contact; and faking being fouled.

Category 2 technical fouls are of a behavioural or administrative nature and do not count toward game disqualification. Examples include: delaying the game by touching the ball after a made basket; preventing a throw-in or free throw from being taken promptly; coming onto the court late; or hanging on the ring (when not preventing injury).

Game disqualification thresholds: A player is disqualified when charged with 2 Category 1 TFs, 2 flagrant fouls, or 1 Category 1 TF and 1 flagrant foul. A head coach is disqualified with 2 Category 1 TFs resulting from personal unsportsmanlike behaviour, or 3 Category 1 TFs where at least one results from bench behaviour.

Regardless of category, any TF committed by a player counts as a player foul and as one of the team fouls. Only Category 1 TFs charged against bench personnel count against the head coach and do not count as team fouls.

Disruptive Foul - Article 37

The former unsportsmanlike foul no longer exists. In its place, FIBA has introduced two separate foul types: the disruptive foul and the flagrant foul. The unsportsmanlike foul category has been removed entirely from the rulebook.

A disruptive foul is a player's illegal contact with an opponent that does not rise to the level of a flagrant foul, but which disrupts the flow of the game and places the opponent at a disadvantage. There are three criteria:

1. Unnecessary contact by a defender who is not legitimately attempting to play the ball directly, in order to stop the progress of the offensive team in transition — this applies until the offensive player begins the act of shooting.

2. Unnecessary contact by a defender anywhere on the court, not legitimately attempting to play the ball, in order to stop the game clock and/or shot clock at the end of a quarter or overtime.

3. Illegal contact from behind or laterally on a player progressing toward the basket with no opponents between them and the basket, where that player is in control of the ball, attempting to gain control, or about to receive a pass.

Penalty: A disruptive foul counts as a team foul. The fouled player receives free throws (2 if not in the AOS; the goal plus 1 FT if in the AOS and the goal is made; 2 or 3 FTs if in the AOS and the goal is not made), followed by a throw-in from the throw-in line in the team's frontcourt. Disruptive fouls do not count toward game disqualification.

Flagrant Foul - Article 38

Also replacing the unsportsmanlike foul, the flagrant foul represents the more severe end of the spectrum. A flagrant foul is a player's illegal contact with an opponent that violates the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, and by its nature and/or severity exceeds the limits of a personal or disruptive foul.

The criteria for a flagrant foul are: contact that is not a legitimate basketball play against an opponent (with or without a ball); a reckless, violent or dangerous act that causes or may cause injury; or excessive and hard contact in an effort to play the ball or an opponent.

Penalty: A flagrant foul counts as a team foul. The fouled player receives free throws (2 if not in the AOS; goal plus 1 FT if in the AOS and goal is made; 2 or 3 FTs if in the AOS and goal is not made), followed by a throw-in from the throw-in line in the frontcourt and a jump ball in the centre circle at the start of the first quarter. Flagrant fouls count toward game disqualification.

Referees are reminded to interpret both disruptive and flagrant fouls consistently throughout the game and to judge only the action — not the reaction or the situation around it.

FIBA will publish the full updated Official Basketball Rules (OBR 2026) in July 2026, with official interpretations following in September 2026. Webinars and video materials explaining the changes in practice will also be made available. MMBRA will keep members informed as additional resources are released. Referees are encouraged to review the full rules changes document and prepare for these updates before the season opens on 1 October 2026.