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NBA·July 2, 2026 12:24 PM ET

NBA to test one-free-throw rule at 2026 Summer League

Any shooting foul becomes a single value-adjusted free throw.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 21 min read
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The one free throw rule will be tested at the upcoming NBA summer leagues. With this rule, any foul that would typical

What happened: The NBA will experiment with a one-free-throw rule at its upcoming summer leagues. Under the format, any foul that would normally send a player to the line for one, two or three free throws instead results in a single attempt. That one attempt is worth the same total value the player would have otherwise had a chance to earn.

Why it matters: Free-throw experiments in the summer setting have historically served as a testing ground for pace-of-play ideas that can eventually reach the regular season. Condensing multiple foul shots into one attempt is aimed at trimming stoppages and keeping the game moving, a recurring priority for the league. How players adjust to a higher-stakes single shot could shape whether the concept advances further.

What to watch: Watch how the single-attempt format affects game flow and foul-shooting accuracy once summer league play tips off, and whether the league signals interest in carrying the experiment beyond the offseason.

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