NBA sets refereeing priorities for the 2026–27 season

Flopping remains a focus

The league said players can receive a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul for a flop called during a game, with a free throw awarded to the opposing team. In that situation, there is no warning or financial penalty.

If officials do not call a flop during the game, the league can review the play. The NBA described a process that may begin with a warning and progress to escalating fines and a one-game suspension.

The NBA’s account stressed that not every attempt to draw attention to contact qualifies as a violation. It described a flop as secondary, theatrical and exaggerated movement.

Freedom of movement and safer defense

The listed priorities also address forceful use of an offensive player’s off arm. The NBA said offensive and defensive players have a right to freedom of movement.

The league’s guidance distinguishes between defending a dribbler along a straight-line path and knocking the player off that path. It also calls for care on closeouts to avoid reckless challenges to shooters.

Free-throw timing and the league’s stated aims

Another point of focus is preventing players from wasting time before free throws in an effort to give the bench more time to make decisions.

NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones said the league’s summer changes included measures addressing tanking. He said the points of emphasis were intended to support how the game is played and presented.