Here is a list of the new rules and how they will impact Saturday's game.
Changes are coming to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
In the lead-up, the WNBA announced a series of special rules that will be implemented for this year's game, which is set to be played on Saturday, July 19, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The league's official announcement states that these rules are "being put into effect for the purpose of providing added excitement and an enhanced pace of play," in this year's All-Star showcase.
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While some of the rules have been experimented with in other professional leagues, this will be the first time they are blended in a WNBA setting. Here is a list of the rules and how they will impact Saturday's game.
MORE WNBA ALL-STAR: Complete WNBA All-Star rosters | 3-point contest participants
WNBA All-Star Game format, explained
4-point shot
One of the biggest rule changes will be the implementation of a 4-point shot, which can be taken from four circles on the court. There are two circles on each side of the court, and they are located above the 3-point line at a distance of 28 feet from the rim.
The circles feature AT&T's signature logo, and the shot will be called an AT&T 4-point shot.
For every 4-point shot made in the game, AT&T will donate to foundations supported by the WNBA and selected players.
🌟 INTRODUCING THE @att 4-PT SHOT 🌟
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 16, 2025
This year during the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, we will be introducing two 4-point circles on each half of the court.
Any shot made by a player who has contact within the AT&T 4-PT Shot area will earn four points. For every 4-Point Shot made,… pic.twitter.com/7f3dWojRaJ
Condensed shot clock
The shot clock will be shortened to 20 seconds in this year's WNBA All-Star Game, four seconds shorter than the standard 24-second timer. With a quicker shot clock, the pace of play will increase.
While the overall length will be shortened, the shot clock will still reset to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound.
Live-play substitutions
While the ball is in play, teams will be permitted to implement "hockey-like player substitutions." Live-play substitutions can be made when the following conditions are met:
- Only the offensive team may make live-play substitutions, and only one player substitution is permitted per possession
- One player can exit the court, and another can enter onto the court only while their team has possession only while their team has possession of the ball in the backcourt
- The players exiting and entering the court must do so in the backcourt between the 28-foot mark and the half-court line
- The player entering onto the court may not touch the ball in the backcourt
If a team does not adhere to any of the above guidelines during a substitution, it will be an automatic turnover with the ball being awarded to the opposing team.
No free throws
Players will be automatically credited with the maximum available points in any circumstance that would require them to shoot free throw(s).
If a player is fouled on a 2-pointer, two points are awarded, and they would be awarded three points when they're fouled on a 3-pointer. In the event a player is fouled on a 4-point attempt, they would be awarded four points.
In these cases, the box score will reflect the appropriate number of free throws as made.
Players will attempt free throws during the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and the entirety of any overtime period(s).
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Category: Basketball
