NBA Introduces “One Free Throw” Rule During Summer League Games

The NBA Summer League is bringing noticeable changes to the court this year. The league has announced a new one free throw rule along with the use of a connected basketball during games. These updates are designed to improve game flow, test new technology, and gather valuable data before deciding whether similar changes could appear in the NBA regular season.

The NBA confirmed that the one free throw rule will be used during the Summer League events in Salt Lake City, Northern California, and Las Vegas.

Under this format, any foul that normally results in one, two, or three free throws will now lead to only one free throw attempt. That single shot will carry the total value of the original free throws. For example, a foul worth two free throws will now be replaced by one shot worth two points. Likewise, a three-shot foul will become one attempt worth three points.

Instagram | @laylonspw | New free throw rules and smart ball tech are hitting the NBA Summer League to boost game flow.

This rule will not apply throughout the entire game. During the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and in every overtime period, players will shoot free throws under the traditional format. Two-shot fouls will still receive two attempts, while three-shot fouls will receive three.

The NBA G League has followed this system since the 2019-20 season. The Summer League now serves as the next testing ground before any decision about expanding the rule to NBA games.

Summer League Tests NBA Talent

The NBA has often used the G League and Summer League to evaluate potential rule changes before introducing them at the highest level.

Several rules now seen in NBA games first appeared in these developmental competitions. These include the coach’s challenge, resetting the shot clock to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound, and the single free throw awarded for a transition take foul, which occurs when a defender intentionally fouls to stop a fast-break opportunity.

Although there is no confirmation that the one free throw rule will become permanent in the NBA, Summer League results will likely play an important role in that decision.

Another addition this year is the connected basketball.

According to the NBA, the game ball includes an embedded sensor that detects contact with the basketball during play. The technology does not affect how the ball feels, moves, or performs. The difference in weight is minimal and is not expected to be noticeable for players.

The league explained that the sensor will collect information to support future officiating tools. One possible use includes helping officials make more accurate last-touch out-of-bounds decisions through additional ball-tracking data.

NBA Summer League Schedule

Instagram | sacramentokings | The California Classic kicks off Summer League this Friday through Monday in SF and Sacramento.

Summer League action begins with the California Classic on Friday. The event is hosted by the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, with games taking place in San Francisco and Sacramento through Monday.

Golden State, Miami, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Lakers will compete in San Francisco. Meanwhile, a second Golden State team, Sacramento, Brooklyn, and Milwaukee will play in Sacramento.

The Salt Lake City Summer League follows with games on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. The participating teams include Utah, Atlanta, Memphis, and Oklahoma City. Fans will also get an early look at No. 2 draft pick Darryn Peterson of the Jazz and No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer of Memphis.

The official NBA Summer League then runs from July 9 through July 19 in Las Vegas, featuring all 30 NBA teams playing at least five games. No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa is scheduled to make his Summer League debut on July 9 when Washington faces Utah. If Darryn Peterson plays, the matchup could feature the No. 1 and No. 2 draft picks competing against each other.

This year’s NBA Summer League is also serving as a testing ground for new rules and technology. The experimental one free throw rule aims to speed up games without affecting scoring, while the connected basketball provides detailed tracking data to support officiating. The league will use insights from these trials to evaluate potential changes for future NBA seasons.