Unrivaled basketball rules, explained: Biggest 3-on-3 differences vs. WNBA, including shot clock, ‘winning score’

Unrivaled basketball rules, explained: Biggest 3-on-3 differences vs. WNBA, including shot clock, ‘winning score’ | Sporting News

Posted by author January 17, 2025 Basketball

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Unrivaled is here, and the 3-on-3 league’s inaugural season is set to redefine how fans view women’s basketball.

For its first season, Unrivaled will feature 36 of the WNBA’s brightest stars across six teams of six. And while professional 3-on-3 basketball is nothing new, Unrivaled’s approach to the game is unlike anything fans have seen.

The new league will feature a unique set of rules that promote a fast-paced game and no shortage of entertainment. Here’s how Unrivaled will differ from basketball leagues fans may have become familiar with over the years.

MORE: What to know about the inaugural season of Unrivaled

Court dimensions

Unrivaled plays full-court 3-on-3 on a condensed court. Games are played on a 49.2-foot by 72-foot full court.

For comparison, WNBA games are played on a 94-foot by 50-foot court and 3×3 competitions in the Olympics are played in the half court — a 36-foot by 49-foot surface area.

Game length

Each unrivaled game will feature three seven-minute quarters. That’s a stark contrast to the four 10-minute quarters played in the WNBA, women’s college basketball and men’s and women’s FIBA 5-on-5 competitions.

The fourth quarter is untimed and will feature a “winning score,” which adds 11 points to the leading team’s score through three quarters. For example, if a game’s score is 56-53 after three quarters, the first team to reach 67 points wins. There will never be overtime.

Game reset

In addition to seven-minute quarters, the shot clock will be set to 18 seconds, six seconds shorter than the WNBA’s 24-second timer. The game clock only stops on baskets made in the final 30 seconds of a period rather than the period’s final minute.

Fouls

Like in the WNBA, a player is disqualified after committing their sixth personal foul.

Because of roster size, there are concessions to be made if more than three players foul out. In that case, the final available player can remain in the game but will be called for a technical foul for each additional personal foul.

Free throw shooting

When a player is fouled on a shot, only one free throw is awarded. It does not matter if the foul occurs on a 2- or 3-pointer.

If a player is fouled on a 2-point attempt, that one free throw is worth two points. If a player is fouled on a 3-point attempt, that one free throw is worth three points.

1-on-1 tournament

From Feb. 10-14, the league will hold a single-elimination, winner-take-all 1-on-1 tournament. The grand prize is $250,000 for the winner while each of their 3-on-3 teammates will receive an additional $10,000.

MORE: Inside Unrivaled’s unique team-selection process