EuroLeague Overhauls Rules for 2026-27 Season
The EuroLeague administration has announced significant rule changes set to take effect in the 2026-27 season, impacting the EuroCup and the new 2026 SuperCup tournament as well. The primary goals are to improve game flow and enhance fairness on the court.
A major alteration involves the elimination of prior warnings for players simulating fouls, commonly known as flopping. Referees will now issue a technical foul immediately for such behavior without any advance caution.
The definition of a shooting foul has also been redefined, commencing when a player initiates shoulder and ball movement upwards in the frontcourt. Technical fouls will be bifurcated into two categories: the first, encompassing flopping, taunting, or disrespectful communication, will result in ejection after two infractions. The second category, including delay of game or hanging on the rim, will not count towards a player's ejection.
Furthermore, the traditional unsportsmanlike foul is being replaced by two new classifications. A "disruptive foul" will be used to stop fast breaks or late-game clock management. A "flagrant foul" will be defined as illegitimate, violent, or dangerous play. Players will be ejected after two flagrant fouls, or a combination of one flagrant foul and one first-category technical foul.
Additional clarifications were provided on existing rules. Coaches will retain two challenges per game but lose one if unused within the first 38 minutes. Coaches face automatic ejection if they or bench personnel enter the court to interfere with a fast break. Bench players entering the court during a brawl will not be automatically ejected if video review shows they were attempting to restore order.
