NBA expands use of instant replay on out-of-bounds reviews

The NBA Board of Governors approved an expanded use of the Coach’s Challenge when reviewing out-of-bounds violations, beginning with the 2024-25 NBA season.

Under the new rule, if instant replay of an out-of-bounds violation is triggered by a Coach’s Challenge, the on-court officials and Replay Center will be able to review the video to determine whether a foul proximate to the violation should have been called.

The factors that will be considered in determining whether a prior uncalled foul is proximate to the out-of-bounds violation are below:

• Whether the players involved in the uncalled foul are the same or different players than the ones involved in the out-of-bounds violation under review.
• The distance between the uncalled foul and the out-of-bounds violation under review.
• The time elapsed between the uncalled foul and the out-of-bounds violation under review. 

Here is an example of a play from last season and how the new rule will be applied. On this play, the Dallas Mavericks challenged the ruling on the floor that awarded the Minnesota Timberwolves with possession following an out-of-bounds violation. When reviewing the play, although Dallas guard Kyrie Irving made illegal contact with the left arm of Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels, the officials and the Replay Center correctly determined that the ball was last touched by McDaniels, ruled the Mavericks’ challenge to be successful and thus awarded possession to Dallas.

Under the new rule, Dallas’ challenge would be unsuccessful, a personal foul would be called on Irving and Minnesota would retain possession or shoot free throws if the Mavericks were in the penalty.

The NBA’s Competition Committee – which consists of players, representatives from the National Basketball Players Association, coaches, governors, team and league basketball executives, and referees – unanimously recommended this rule change to the Board of Governors.