What changed in the 2026 FIBA rules?

The FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 took effect on 1 October 2026. The main changes:

• Unsportsmanlike foul replaced by two new fouls: the disruptive foul (does not count towards disqualification) and the flagrant foul (does).
• Technical fouls split into category 1 (counts towards disqualification) and category 2 (doesn't).
• Game disqualification for a player: two flagrant, two category 1 technical, or one of each.
• Act of shooting redefined separately for jump shots and drives, and a player must be in the frontcourt (except on a last-second shot before the game clock or shot clock expires).
• Double dribble wording clarified: a second dribble is allowed only after losing control through a shot, the ball being touched by an opponent, or a pass or fumble touching another player.
• Uniforms: socks no longer have to be visible, but must be the same dominant colour for the whole team.
• Court lines: more flexibility on line colours, with matching rules for paired markings.
• Instant replay: can review goaltending or basket interference after a foul at any time, and whether the ball was still in the thrower-in's hands when the defence fouled during a throw-in in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime.
• New signals and scoresheet marks: "DI" disruptive, "FL" flagrant, "BD" disqualifying foul on an accompanying delegation member. Fouls that count towards disqualification are circled.