Six trials being considered for Townsville Tip-Off

The WNBL is considering six innovations for this year's Townsville Tip-Off, to be played between September 17 and 20, featuring all nine teams and including a first look at the Tasmania Jewels.

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Keen to bring innovation to the WNBL, Chief Operations Officer Justin Nelson has indicated the League is likely to settle on up to three trials, with a decision to be made by the end of August.

Nelson, who is known for his passion for innovation in sport, believes the WNBL has an opportunity to be a leader in Australian sport when it comes to thinking outside the square.

"Together with the Clubs, I share the view that we need to be creative and think differently in the WNBL," Nelson said.

"There are so many basketball players and fans across Australia, and we know that when they attend a WNBL game they will be hooked.

"Our focus is on creating excitement and connecting more deeply with existing fans while attracting new ones, ensuring the WNBL means more to more people through innovation on and off the court.

"We need to respect the last 45 years, but we must firmly focus on the next 45 years.

"New and emerging fans consume sport and entertainment differently, and we need to meet the market and give them what they want."

The six trials being considered for the Townsville Tip-Off are wide and varied. Some are already being trialled elsewhere around the world, while others are completely new.

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Here's a rundown of the trials being considered by the WNBL for the September event:

‍One free throw for maximum points
‍Similar to the rule used in the NBA G League and currently being trialled in the NBA Summer League, when stepping up to the free throw line, a player will only take one shot for the maximum point(s) on offer.

For example, if a player is fouled on a three-point attempt, they will go to the free throw line to take one shot worth three points.

The same principle applies to a two-point field goal attempt or team foul bonus, with one shot worth two points. In the last two minutes of the game, all free throws will return to normal game rules.

The trial is based on speeding up the game and reducing dead time at the free throw line.

Rolling substitutions
‍Teams can substitute players on and off the court at any time without the need to stop the game. Each team has a designated box in front of the team bench.

A player coming onto the court must stand in the box and can only enter play once the player coming off the court has also entered the box.

The trial is based on speeding up the game and reducing dead time for substitutions.

Player only timeouts
‍Each team will be permitted one Player Only Timeout per half. Only the player in possession of the ball can call a Player Only Timeout.

When called, only the five players on the court may huddle and discuss tactics. Coaches, coaching staff, and players on the bench cannot be involved, and no substitutions are permitted.

At the completion of the 30-second timeout, the offensive team advances the ball to the front court for play to restart from the sideline.

A Player Only Timeout cannot be called directly after a team timeout.

Player Only Timeouts originated in New Zealand and have been used successfully in the country's national leagues since 2022.

The trial is based on adding more strategy and player leadership on court, while providing heightened moments to score, especially late in quarters.

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Increased points power plays
‍The first minute of each quarter will see both teams provided with a Power Play, with several increased scoring options under consideration.

For example, three-point shots could be worth four points, or two-point field goals could count double.

The trial is based on getting all four quarters off to a fast start and rewarding players and teams for scoring quick baskets.

Immediate inbound passes in the back court
‍Similar to the FIBA trial currently being run in Spain's national men's league, a team can immediately inbound the ball in the back court following a violation or out-of-bounds call committed by the opposition, without the referee needing to handle the ball.

The trial is based on speeding up the game and reducing dead time.

Adding a sixth foul to a designated player
‍At three-quarter time, each team will be permitted to add a sixth personal foul to one designated player.

The trial is based on allowing teams to keep their best players in the game for longer, while adding another layer of strategy and ensuring fans get to see the competition's biggest stars on the court for longer.