How does the WNBA shot clock work and when does it reset?
Rule- Canada
- WNBA
- Professional women's basketball
- WNBA Official Rules
- 2026
- Fans
The shot clock starts at 24 seconds. A team must get a shot away before it expires: the ball must leave the shooter's hand before the clock reaches zero. If it does not, a shot clock violation is called and the other team gets the ball on the sideline nearest the spot, no nearer the baseline than the free throw line extended.
- Resets to 24 seconds: on a change of possession, after a personal foul or violation when the ball is inbounded in the backcourt, after most jump balls, and after any flagrant or punching foul.
- Resets to 14 seconds: when the offence gets the first possession of an unsuccessful free throw that remains in play, or of an unsuccessful field goal attempt that hits the rim.
- Stays as is, or goes to 14 if that is greater: after a defensive personal foul with the ball inbounded in the frontcourt, a defensive three-second violation, or a technical foul or delay-of-game warning on the defence.
- Never resets: when the defence is the last to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds, or on a technical foul or delay-of-game warning against the offence.
Added 25 Oct 2026