New rules adopted by the league

So by now you’ve surely heard, but since I’m a goober, here’s a late recap of the new rules adopted by the league for the upcoming WNBA season.

- The inbounding rule will permit a player to pass the ball anywhere (frontcourt or backcourt) on the court during the final minute of the fourth period and the final minute of any overtime period when the ball is being inbounded from the midcourt line or frontcourt. Teams are still required to inbound the ball into the frontcourt from the midcourt line and the frontcourt at all other times.

- Players not occupying lane spaces shall now remain behind the three-point line (above the free-throw line extended) during free-throw positioning. Players may not be touching the line or the floor inside the line when the ball is released. Previously, players were positioned three feet beyond the three-point line (above the free-throw line extended).

- Instant-replay rules will now require automatic video reviews by the officiating crew in the case of flagrant fouls that result in ejections and other player altercations.

The inbounding rule is big, but honestly, I hadn’t noticed it wasn’t allowed to begin with. The floor’s going to get spread out and possibly free some shooters after a pass. Could see some more buzzer-beating plays.