With the 2025 WNBA All-Star festivities already underway, the excitement is through the roof among the fans. Friday belonged to the New York Liberty, with both Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu winning the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest, respectively. Saturday is the day for Team Clark to go head-to-head with Team Collier. 

To make the game more exciting, the WNBA has introduced a set of new rules. Another reason to introduce these new rules is to make the game faster. Let us take a look at these new rules coming into effect for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. 

What is the new 4-point shot rule and how does it work?

To encourage deeper shooting during the All-Star game, the WNBA has introduced a 4-point line. These marks will be located in four circles, two in each half of the court, and at a distance of 28 feet. These circles are 6 feet further back from the original 3-point line in the WNBA. Any shot made from these “AT&T 4-Point Shot” areas will be credited with 4 points. 

While this rule is sure to provide a lot of exciting deep shots, there is another element to this. For every 4-point shot made, AT&T would donate a certain amount to charity. These charities are sponsored by the WNBA and players can choose which charity they want to donate to. 

How does the condensed shot clock change the game pace?

However, the shot clock after an offensive rebound will reset at the usual 14 seconds. 

What are the live-play substitution and free throw rule changes?

In another bid to avoid delays and make the game faster, the WNBA has also introduced live-play substitutions. Taking inspiration from hockey, the WNBA has implemented the substitutions rule but under stricter conditions. The following are the rules regarding the live-play substitutions:

• Only the offensive teams can substitute a player. They may substitute only one player per possession. 
• These substitutions are only allowed in the backcourt between the 28-foot mark and the half-court mark. 
• The player substituted in the live-play situation cannot touch the ball in the backcourt.
• Any violations regarding the conditions set for live-play substitutions will result in an automatic turnover. 

Another rule introduced in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is related to free throws. The following are the rules regarding free throws for this edition of the All-Star Game: 

• There will be no free throws attempted unless the game is in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime. 
• The players would be automatically awarded the maximum number of points. They would not need to attempt the free throws, and the scoreboard will reflect the free throws to be attempted as made.

These changes in the WNBA All-Star Game rules reflect the league’s focus on constantly evolving the game. It shows that the league is listening to the fans and is trying to come up with new ways to provide the best product possible.