WNBA Official Rule Book

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The 2024 Official WNBA Rule Book is now available for download.

To view the official rules, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Download the 2024 Official WNBA Rule Book here

Key Changes for 2024

• New rules for bench decorum
• Revised rules for box and one defense
• Increased fines for certain offenses
• New rules for playing coaches

Bench Decorum

The new rules for bench decorum are designed to improve the behavior of players and coaches on the bench.

The following behaviors are now prohibited:

• Standing or jumping on the bench
• Throwing objects onto the court
• Using profanity or abusive language
• Intimidating or threatening opponents

Box and One Defense

The revised rules for box and one defense are designed to make it more difficult for teams to use this defensive strategy.

The following changes have been made:

• The defender guarding the player with the ball must be within two feet of them at all times.
• The other four defenders must be within five feet of the player with the ball.

Fines

The increased fines for certain offenses are designed to deter players and coaches from committing these offenses.

The following offenses now have increased fines:

• Technical fouls
• Flagrant fouls
• Ejections

Playing Coaches

The new rules for playing coaches are designed to clarify the role of players who also coach their teams.

The following changes have been made:

• Playing coaches can no longer call timeouts or make substitutions from the bench.
• Playing coaches must remain on the court when their team has the ball.