The WNBA's rule changed for the 2023 season, explained

The WNBA has never been afraid to shake things up as a league. It’s always looking to tinker around with things. That’s how we ended up with a mid-season tournament in the W.

Now, the league is tinkering again. This time it’s introducing some rule changes that should work wonders for the pace of play.

Three new concepts are being introduced in the W for when the season tips off in a couple weeks on May 19. The league will include transition take foul penalties, coach challenges and bench decorum rules, per a release from the league.

The NBA has introduced the same rules in recent years and it’s done the league a lot of good. We’ve seen better flow in games and kept the excitement going with transition basketball.

Similar benefits will come to the WNBA.

.@WNBA Key rule changes for ‘23:
– Bench conduct: players not in the game may not remain standing at or away from their team’s bench during the game for a prolonged period &, along w/coaches, are prohibited from attempting to distract their opponents in an unsportsmanlike manner.

— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) May 3, 2023

Let’s go over the details.