The changes that can change the Euroleague forever

The EuroLeague and the EuroCup will kick off the 2025/26 season with a package of rule modifications. Euroleague Basketball has announced adjustments aimed at improving game flow, protecting players' safety, and ensuring greater consistency in refereeing. The changes cover both disciplinary sanctions and the use of instant replay system.

Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Baskonia, and Valencia Basket are the 4 Spanish teams participating in the 2025/26 EuroLeague.

One of the most significant changes affects technical fouls. From now on, referees will not be required to issue prior warnings before penalizing inappropriate behaviors or contact simulations, known as “flopping”. The measure aims to reduce unsportsmanlike conduct and promote honesty in the competition. However, warnings will still be maintained in cases of delay in resuming the game, when a player waves a hand near the shooter's eyes, or tries to distract them with shouts, steps, or claps in their field of vision.

Another important modification focuses on the behavior of coaches and bench members. If any of them trespass onto the court during a fast break, the coach will be automatically disqualified. Similarly, if a coach or any bench member interrupts the action by running along the sidelines or excessive protesting, referees will apply a technical foul after the play ends. With these measures, the organization aims to prevent undue interruptions in moments of high speed and risk.

Important Updates

Regarding the use of Instant Replay System (IRS), the EuroLeague expands the reviewable situations. Starting next season, referees can check eight-second violations in the final two minutes of the last quarter and overtime, provided the infraction has been signaled. Additionally, coaches will have the right to request a review of these actions at any time during the game, always under the same condition. The possibility of reviewing the offender's identity in a foul is also introduced. Referees may confirm through video which player committed the infraction in case of registration error, although coaches cannot challenge this situation.

With these updates, Euroleague Basketball aims to offer smoother matches, with greater control over unsportsmanlike behaviors and a more precise use of technology. Thus, the 2025/26 season will mark a further step in the regulatory evolution of the top European club competition.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los cambios que pueden cambiar la Euroliga para siempre