Euroleague Basketball is set to introduce several rule updates for the upcoming 2025-26 EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup seasons. These changes are designed to improve the flow of the game, protect player safety, and ensure officiating is more consistent.
The new rules focus on three main areas: cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct, clarifying sideline behavior for coaches, and expanding the use of the Instant Replay System (IRS) to help referees make more accurate calls. This shows a clear commitment to maintaining a high standard of competition for players, coaches, and fans.
🧑⚖️ Stricter Calls on Misconduct
Referees will now take a tougher stance on poor behavior and faking fouls (also known as “flopping”). Previously, players might receive a warning first, but starting in the 2025-26 season, officials will issue a technical foul immediately without a prior warning. However, warnings will still be given for other situations, such as delaying the game or trying to distract a shooter.
🏀 New Rules for Coaches and Benches
To ensure fastbreaks are not unfairly disrupted, there are new rules for team benches. If a coach or any other team member from the bench steps onto the court during a fastbreak, the coach will be automatically disqualified from the game. Additionally, if anyone from the bench disrupts a fastbreak by running along the sideline or protesting too much, referees will call a technical foul after the play is over.
📺 Enhanced Instant Replay System
The Instant Replay System (IRS) will be used in more situations to get calls right. Referees can now use the IRS to review 8-second violations in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, but only if a violation was already called. Coaches can also use their challenge on a called 8-second violation at any point in the game. Furthermore, officials can now use the IRS to confirm which player committed a foul if there is confusion, though this type of review cannot be challenged by coaches.
