NBA Summer League to Test Single Free Throw Rule and Smart Basketball Technology

The NBA is testing a one-shot free throw rule and a connected basketball during the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, according to league officials. The experiments aim to increase the pace of play and provide more precise player tracking data before the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

How does the one-shot free throw rule work?

Under the experimental rule, players will shoot a single free throw for non-shooting fouls and certain other infractions, rather than the traditional two-shot sequence. This change is designed to reduce dead-ball time and keep the game moving. According to NBA sources, the league is evaluating whether this modification affects the overall flow of the game and the scoring efficiency of teams during the Summer League window.

The traditional format—where a player shoots two free throws if fouled in the act of shooting a two-point shot—remains the standard for the regular season. The Summer League serves as a laboratory for these changes, allowing the league to gather data on how players and coaches adjust their strategies when the penalty for a foul is streamlined.

What is the purpose of the connected basketball?

The NBA is deploying a connected ball equipped with internal sensors to capture real-time data on ball movement, rotation, and trajectory. According to the league’s technical specifications, the ball transmits data wirelessly to a central system, allowing for a deeper analysis of shot mechanics and passing accuracy.

This technology differs from traditional optical tracking (like Second Spectrum), which uses cameras to track player coordinates. The connected ball provides “inside-out” data, meaning the ball itself reports its position and velocity. This allows the league to verify exactly when a shot leaves a player’s hand and how the ball behaves in the air, which could eventually assist in more precise officiating or advanced scouting.

Why is the NBA testing these changes now?

League officials are prioritizing “game flow” and “fan engagement” as they look to modernize the product. The Summer League, held annually in Las Vegas, provides a low-stakes environment where the league can implement rules that would be too disruptive to introduce mid-season. By testing these elements in July, the NBA can determine if the one-shot free throw significantly reduces game duration or if the connected ball provides actionable data that justifies a wider rollout.

For those unfamiliar with the process, the Summer League is essentially a developmental showcase where rookies and second-year players compete. Because these games do not count toward official season standings, it is the primary venue for the NBA’s Competition Committee to trial rule changes.

Comparison: Current Rules vs. Summer League Experiments

What happens if the tests are successful?

If the data from the Las Vegas tests shows a marked improvement in game pace without compromising the competitive integrity of the sport, the NBA may propose these changes to the Board of Governors. Any permanent rule change requires a formal vote and approval process before being integrated into the official NBA Rulebook.

The connected ball technology is more likely to be adopted for coaching and analytics purposes before it becomes a requirement for official game-play, as the league must ensure the ball’s weight and feel remain identical to the standard game ball to avoid player complaints.

The NBA will continue to monitor these trials throughout the duration of the Summer League. The next official update on the feasibility of these rules is expected following the conclusion of the tournament and the subsequent review by the league’s basketball operations department.

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