11 Rules WNBA Players Have to Follow
Soo, they definitely don’t want to miss a game.
The world of a professional athlete can be a fascinating one for spectators and fans. This is especially true for the WNBA, a league that’s nearly 30 years old but has seen unprecedented growth and attention in the last few years due to the amazing talent and growing visibility. If you ever wondered what being a WNBA player is like, it’s not all tunnel walks and wearing your teammate’s signature shoes. There are some pretty strict rules these players have to follow—both on and off the court.
With the 29th WNBA season tipping off on May 17, it’s the perfect time to learn about all the rules players have to follow that aren’t widely known but are super fascinating. From not being allowed to even enter the WNBA draft until a specific age to this completely changing if you’re from another country, the league has conditions on so many things. For example, while The W players are known for their tunnel walk looks and draft looks their in-game time looks are more restricted.
If you’re eager for the WNBA season to finally begin, you’re not alone. Knowing what rules and guidelines are set in place for the players can help you understand the game on all sides of the court. Plus, there’s probably some that you aren’t even aware of. In honor of it finally being WNBA season again, here are 11 super specific rules players are required to follow.
There’s a Dress Code
Players must be uniformly dressed during the games. Their shirts have to be numbered on the front and back of their jerseys with “a number contrasting with the color of the shirt,” the the official rules of the WNBA state. The jersey also needs to be tucked into their shorts and remain this way throughout gameplay.
In addition to this, while WNBA players express their individuality through personal style–clothes, shoes, makeup, and hair, they aren’t allowed to wear jewelry during games. Their headbands, arm and leg sleeves, and even socks need to follow the color guidelines set in place by both their team and the league. The only article of clothing worn during the game that is allowed to bear a commercial logo is their shoes. A handful of WNBA players, like A’ja Wilson, have their own shoe collaborations and sport them during games.
Distracting Opponents Is a No-No
Ahead of the 2023 WNBA season, the league implemented a new rule in order to reduce disruptions in general, especially during live play, according to a WNBA press release. Specifically, this means that players are no longer able to stand at or away from their team’s bench for a prolonged period, per the release. This goes for coaches, too. Doing so is deemed unsportsmanlike and players may receive penalties, which may include a technical foul or delay of game.
You Have to Be At Least 22 Years Old to Enter the Draft
There’s an age limit to enter the draft. Domestic players must be at least 22 years old and have no college eligibility remaining. They are required to graduate from a four-year college or university prior to the draft or will be graduating from their school within three months following the draft. For international players, it’s a different story. These athletes must be at least 20 years old to enter the draft, per the WNBA.
If a player still has eligibility at the collegiate level, they have to renounce it as they aren’t able to go back and play after getting drafted.
The WNBA Has to Take Priority Over International Commitments
Since the league began in 1997, WNBA players have joined professional basketball leagues in other countries in order to stay in shape and get paid for playing in the offseason. However, those on WNBA rosters are expected to prioritize their WNBA commitments over international leagues. Those who don’t comply will receive penalties from the league, according to the official rules of the WNBA.
Consent From the WNBA Is Needed to Play in Non-League Games
If a WNBA player is interested in participating in an All-Star game or some type of tournament outside of the league and season, they have to obtain consent from the WNBA. An exception for this is if it’s a tournament that involves the players’ national team or an offseason playing obligation, per the WNBA.
They Can Be Fined for Missing Games
The WNBA may fine a player who misses a regular season or a playoff game due to basketball-related commitments with another league or group. The fine may be up to 2.5 percent of the player’s base salary per game missed. It can go up to 5 percent for playoff games, according to the Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s (WNBPA) collective bargaining agreement (CPA).
Yep, They Get Fined for Techs
Technical fouls occur when a player demonstrates unsportsmanlike conduct during a game. This could look like an unnecessary push or shove, an intentional foul that may be deemed dangerous, or being disrespectful to a ref. The fine will be deducted from the player’s paycheck.
Players on the Bench Can’t Intervene During an Altercation
If there’s an altercation on the court, all players who are on the bench must remain in the vicinity of their bench. If they don’t, they’ll be suspended without pay for a minimum of one game. Plus, they’ll be fined, per league rules.
Players Are Required to Stand for the National Anthem
Before a game, the players along with their coaches and trainers, are supposed to stand in a line with “dignified posture” along the sidelines or on the foul line as the National Anthem plays. Punishment for failure to do so has not been outlined in the league’s rulebook.
Oh, and They *Have* to Speak to the Media
Throughout the entire season, players must follow their teams schedule for media availability to talk to the press both before and after the game. For example, during the WNBA’s preseason players are required to be available for the media during the last 30 minutes of practice. All players as well as the head coach have to stay on the floor for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to a maximum of 30 minutes for media interviews.
In addition to this, on game days, teams must have five players present at organized shoot arounds for 15 minute media availability sessions. Postgame media availability occurs no later than 10 minutes following the game. Each head coach and two players—usually the leading scorer and key contributor, will be available for both in-person and zoom media. All players are required to remain in the building until all media obligations are met, per league policy.
And They’re Required to Make Promotional Appearances
On behalf of their team and the WNBA, players are required to make promotional appearances when asked. This can be during the season and offseason. These can include youth organization visits, award shows, public service or charitable events, clinics, autograph signing sessions, or hospitality or promotional events relating to the league, per the WNBPA CBA.
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