WNBA Sees Early-Season Rise in Foul Calls as New Enforcement Guidelines Take Effect

In the offseason, WNBA created an officiating task force under its “state of the game” initiative. The group, composed of players, coaches, league executives and officials—including Sue Blauch (head of referee performance), Bethany Donaphin (head of league operations) and referee-development chief Monty McCutchen—was charged with curbing last season’s excessive physicality. Rather than rewrite rules, the task force chose to strictly enforce existing guidelines to increase freedom of movement and showcase talent.

Increase in foul calls means the new WNBA system is working — probably

In the first week of the season, teams averaged 21.6 fouls per game, up from 19.9 at the same point last year. 2023 season average was 17.5 fouls per team per game. Free-throw attempts rose modestly, from 21.4 to 21.9. The foul increase has lengthened games; the New York Liberty’s overtime win over Washington lasted 2 hours 41 minutes.

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Monty McCutchen said the rise in fouls reflects an expected “over-calibration” as officials adjust to stricter enforcement of current guidelines, noting the task force’s extensive discussions gave referees “clarity.” Sue Blauch stressed the aim to “allow the game to open up and the players to showcase their talents.” Bethany Donaphin called the season surge “an indication that the plan is working,” while acknowledging refinement.

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Coaches and players have voiced feedback. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve warned that “we’re not the only team sitting here wondering why everything is a foul.” Liberty forward Breanna Stewart said the calls “disrupt everyone’s flow” and noted the 2 hour 41-minute overtime game. Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale said teams must “adapt,” recalling “three fouls in the first half.” Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, after a technical foul, praised officials, saying she “deserved the technical” and that “they’re doing the right thing.”

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• “Obviously, we'll continue to work with the league on getting right because we're not the only team sitting here wondering why everything is a foul," she said.” — Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx head coach

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• “This game was 2 hours and 41 minutes long.” — Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward

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• “I guess we just have to adapt, because that's going to happen," she said.” — Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings guard

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Foul totals have risen, yet free-throw attempts show only a modest increase, creating a gap between expected scoring impact and actual data. Sources do not specify when foul rates are expected to stabilize or how injury risk will be affected.

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The task force will meet regularly through the season to fine-tune foul-calling alignment. Future evaluations will consider data and player feedback to balance flow and safety.

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