NBA tests a single-free-throw era at Summer League

The NBA has put a new free-throw rule, aimed at speeding up the flow of the game, on its agenda. The rule will be tested at the 2026 Summer League. With this application, the league is beginning an experiment that could significantly change the long-debated free-throw system.

Under the new rule, any foul that would normally result in one, two or three free throws under standard NBA rules will instead result in a single free throw. That single free throw will carry the value of the points that would normally have been awarded — that is, it can bring one, two or three points. For example, a player fouled while attempting a three-pointer will take a single free throw under the new rule and, if he makes it, will earn 3 points.

The main aim of the rule stands out as increasing the tempo of matches and speeding up the flow of the game. At the same time, it is assessed that the arrangement could have significant consequences for teams that produce points by getting to the free-throw line frequently. That is because, in a single-shot system, players not being able to benefit from their relatively higher accuracy on second free throws could affect the overall efficiency of free throws.

On the other hand, the rule also has exceptions. In the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and the entirety of overtime, standard NBA free-throw rules will apply; that is, in these portions players will take one, two or three free throws as normal. While it is recalled that a similar application has been tested in the G League for years, this experiment at Summer League will be an important indicator of whether the rule will be carried to the NBA level.

Image: Yahoo Sports