PBA announces 9 major rule changes ahead of historic 50th season

As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its milestone 50th season, the league is rolling out nine significant rule changes aimed at enhancing fairness, pace, and transparency in gameplay. These adjustments were officially announced by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial during a press conference held on Wednesday, October 1.

The most notable change involves the review process for potential basket interference or goaltending in the final two minutes of a game. Moving forward, such calls—or non-calls—will no longer be subject to review by the technical committee if not flagged by on-court officials.

This rule stems from a highly controversial moment during Game 1 of the Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals. A critical dunk by San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa, which could have given the Beermen a late lead with 56.1 seconds remaining, was nullified after the technical committee retroactively ruled it offensive interference. The call ultimately swung the outcome of the game.

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“Sa last two minutes, kung hindi tinawag ng referee, final na ‘yun,” Marcial said. “Mananagot na lang yung referee sa atin.”

Commissioner Willie Marcial says the four-point line in the PBA will still be used in Season 50, sharing that other local and international leagues have been inquiring to adapt the innovation. | via Gillian Trinidad/One Sports#PBA50 #PBASolid pic.twitter.com/Xc5oEjvFDW

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 1, 2025

Another key change affects the coach’s challenge protocol. Teams will now be allowed to form huddles with their coaching staff during the review process, a move expected to improve strategic communication. In addition, replays of the challenged plays will be shown on venue screens and live TV, with referees providing real-time explanations. If any other infractions are spotted during these replays, they can also be called.

PBA Board Treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorrilla emphasized transparency, saying, “We will show all angles live on screen. The referee will explain the ruling on-site, and if there’s a violation seen during the replay, it will be called as well.”

Other Notable Rule Changes:

• Excessive elbow movement (from left to right) will now result in a technical foul. 
• Teams will enter the penalty after committing a second foul in the last two minutes of every quarter. 
• Players who shoot an airball may now retrieve the ball without being called for traveling. 
• No extra timeouts will be awarded during the game. 
• Offensive fouls will now count as team fouls. 
• Throwing the ball at an opposing player’s head to save possession will be penalized with a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1. 

The historic 50th season opens with the Philippine Cup and promises to be among the league’s most competitive editions, with all 12 teams gearing up for a shot at glory. The season will span until December 2026, culminating with the Commissioner’s Cup.

Opening day tips off on Sunday, October 5, with a marquee matchup between the Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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