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sep 16 2026The ACB 2026-27 season will implement new FIBA rule changes, including replacing unsportsmanlike fouls with flagrant and disruptive fouls, and dividing technical fouls into two categories. Here's a complete breakdown of all the changes!
Cambio_Reglamento
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From Unsportsmanlike Fouls to Disruptive and Flagrant Fouls
Unsportsmanlike fouls are eliminated and divided into two new categories: disruptive fouls and flagrant fouls.
Although both carry the same penalty (two free throws and possession for the opposing team), this change aims to isolate serious contact and distinguish it from tactical game interruptions when there is no unsportsmanlike conduct. The goal is to make the penalty proportional to what occurred so these fouls don't count toward player disqualification.
Disruptive Fouls
This is a new category designed for plays where a defender attempts to stop an opponent's transition without the option to play the ball without being aggressive or violent.
On a fast break, when the defender makes no real effort to play the ball. Or, even if they try, they are the last defender and the offensive player is heading to the basket uncontested.
In the final seconds of a quarter or overtime, when a foul is clearly committed to stop the clock, with no option to play the ball.
DO NOT count toward a player's disqualification in case of accumulation.
Flagrant Fouls
This is a category of fouls that exceed the logical and normal contact in basketball. These are violent fouls or those that may pose a risk of injury to the opponent, whether or not they have the ball.
DO count toward a player's disqualification in case of accumulation, either with two flagrant fouls or with one flagrant and one Category 1 technical foul.
Two Categories of Technical Fouls
Technical fouls also change, divided into two categories with the objective of not penalizing equally those related to conduct and those that are purely administrative in nature. The signal on court remains the same as before (hands in a "T" shape).
Category 1 Technical Fouls
These are technical fouls related to conduct, applicable to players and coaches. They can be called on anyone who treats any participant in a game disrespectfully (players, coaches, fans, referees, table officials, etc.), including taunting, provocation, offensive language, or defiant attitude.
The novelty is that if there is a confrontation between players with contact between them, it can be penalized with a Category 1 technical foul if such contact does not reach the level of flagrant or disqualifying.
DO count toward a player's disqualification in case of accumulation, either with two Category 1 technicals or combined with a flagrant foul.
Category 2 Technical Fouls
These are purely administrative in nature and can only be received by players. Category 2 technical fouls include actions such as delaying the game on a throw-in, hanging on the rim without reason, entering the court late to begin a period, or on the final free throw, touching the ball before it reaches the rim (defensive interference).
DO NOT count toward a player's disqualification in case of accumulation.
Changes in Fouls During Shooting Action
Greater precision is defined for when a player is in a shooting action and when free throws should be awarded instead of a throw-in, both on drives to the basket and on shots.
Drives to the Basket
In a continuous motion, normally performed between the 6.75-meter line and the basket, a foul by the opponent counts as a shooting action when the ball is controlled and rests in one or both hands.
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Shots
Whether stationary or moving shots, the shooting action begins the moment the player initiates the upward movement of both the ball and shoulders in the direction of the opponent's basket.
There is an important novelty. For it to count as a shooting action, the player must have crossed midcourt with both feet and the ball in front. If only one foot has stepped into the frontcourt, it is not considered a shooting action.
As an exception, shots taken at the end of a possession, quarter, or overtime. In that case, unlike other shots, it could be considered a shooting action anywhere on the court (frontcourt or backcourt) and it will be assessed whether the ball rests in one or both hands before contact is made.
Referees Prepare for the Season and Visit All 18 Teams
The ACB Officiating Department and referees are intensely preparing for the 2026-27 season. A few days ago, referees held a stage in Valencia where they laid the groundwork for the campaign, and this week the Officiating Department has met with the sporting directors and coaches of the clubs to prepare for the season and explain the application of the new regulations.
During this week, all ACB rosters will receive a visit from an ACB referee who will explain the season's new rules and answer any questions.
