Fowler: New rules a "game-changer" for WNBL

The WNBL unveiled on Thursday the three rules changes it would be trialling at the 2026 TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off.

The three trials, which all nine teams will experience during the September 17-20 tournament are: Player Only Timeouts, One Free Throw for Maximum Points and Immediate Inbounds (Back Court).

One player who is excited about these trials is Townsville Fire and Australian Opals forward Alex Fowler, who was at Tuesday's announcement event in Brisbane.

"They're pretty cool; it's fun to kind of spice it up a little and test out some new areas of the game," Fowler said.

"The players' timeout is [good, and] it gives the players more control. Obviously, the coach is going to put [it in the hands of] someone who has a smarter IQ or someone who can control the tempo, while figuring out what's best for the team.

"The free throw maximum points is a good one [too]. It makes every player make sure they're making their free throws.

"It's kind of a game-changer because if you get fouled shooting a three, [you only need to hit one shot for all three points].

"[Finally], with no dead ball [on the baseline], it's another way for us to speed up the game.

"The WNBL is already pretty quick, so it's just another way to speed up the game and not have as many stoppages in the play."

During next month's event, Fowler's reigning champions will take on Perth (in a replay of last year's Grand Final) on Thursday, September 17 before facing Sydney on Sunday, September 20.

All nine teams will play two games at the pre-season tournament before the WNBL27 regular season tips off on October 25 in Tasmania, when the Jewels host the Venom.