New rules changes for the 2016 WNBA season announced

The WNBA Board of Governors approved two rules changes for the upcoming 2016 season.

First, the 24-second shot clock will reset to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound (or when the offensive team otherwise retains possession after the ball contacts the rim).

Second, the below rules will now use the last two minutes as the timing guideline, a change from the last one minute:

• Option to advance the ball after a timeout
• An away-from-the-play foul in the last two minutes will result in one free throw by any player in the game and possession
• The throw-in from the frontcourt during the last two minutes of the fourth period and last two minutes of overtime may be thrown into the backcourt
• If a team has committed three or fewer team fouls during the first eight minutes of any regulation period, or two or fewer team fouls during the first three minutes of any overtime period, the team will be penalized beginning with the second team foul in the last two minutes
• Instant-replay reviews of a two- or three-point shot attempt will be conducted immediately upon a successful basket when the clock stops in the last two minutes of the fourth period or last two minutes of any overtime period

Both rule changes were recommended by the WNBA’s Competition Committee at its meeting on Dec. 2.