NBA Summer League Free Throw Rule

NBA Summer League Free Throw Rule

July 6, 2026

NBA Summer League to use ‘1 free throw’ rule, 'connected basketball'
The NBA has announced that it will test a "one free throw rule" and a sensor-embedded "connected basketball" during its 2026 Summer League games in Salt Lake City, California, and Las Vegas. Designed to speed up game flow, the experimental rule mandates that a single free throw attempt will be worth the total point value of the foul it replaces, though standard rules will still apply during the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime. Additionally, the tracking sensor inside the ball will remain unnoticeable to players while collecting crucial data to assist officials with future applications, such as determining last-touch out-of-bounds calls.
^NBA

Fireworks companies see revenue projections boom as teams celebrate America’s 250th birthday
Fireworks manufacturers are experiencing a massive revenue boom—with some seeing a 25% to 30% increase—driven by sports teams planning elaborate pyrotechnic spectacles for America’s 250th birthday. However, this high demand has caused operational strain on the industry, which is facing limited resources, compressed timelines due to shorter MLB games, and a severe shortage of licensed operators. While drone shows have grown in popularity and are changing the presentation landscape, traditional fireworks remain the backbone of the business and a reliable tool for driving fan engagement and stadium concessions.
^{Sports Business Journal}

StubHub sued by fans who say ticket cancellations crushed dreams of going to World Cup
Ticket reseller StubHub is being sued in federal court by California fans who allege that "false and misleading" sales practices left them without the tickets they purchased for last month's World Cup group stage matches. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, claims hundreds or thousands of fans had their tickets revoked or erased due to what FIFA deemed "poor digital infrastructure." While StubHub declined to comment on the litigation, the company stated that the widespread ticketing issues were driven by the event organizer's infrastructure and reminded customers that its FanProtect Guarantee provides full refunds or replacements when orders go wrong.
^{AP News}

Serena Singles Return Draws Record Wimbledon Ratings for ESPN
Serena Williams’s return to singles competition at Wimbledon, despite a three-set loss to Maya Joint, delivered record-breaking viewership for ESPN, marking its largest Day 2 audience on record and contributing to the network's most-watched first round ever. The 44-year-old superstar, who entered via a wild card entry after being away from singles play since 2022, unfortunately tweaked her right knee late in the first set of the match. While the injury has cast doubt on her highly anticipated doubles reunion with her sister Venus, Williams expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete and stated she is doing everything possible to recover in time for their scheduled match.
^{Front Office Sports}

Fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic coming to Philly
The fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic is scheduled to kick off MLB's All-Star Week on July 10 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, featuring rosters from 19 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The teams will be led by former major leaguers Jimmy Rollins and Ricky Weeks, with players selected by a committee that includes Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Additionally, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker will throw out the ceremonial first pitch following a player visit to City Hall to honor civil rights activist and Negro Leagues pioneer Octavius V. Catto.
^{Sports Business Journal}

ESPN consolidating West Coast studios into NFL Network space
Following its acquisition of NFL Media earlier this year, ESPN is consolidating its West Coast production by closing its L.A. Live studio space and moving staff into the NFL Network studios at Hollywood Park in Inglewood. This transition will relocate major studio shows like NBA Today and WNBA Countdown to the same facility where NFL Network programs are shot, while other non-production employees will move to Disney offices in Glendale. The unified Hollywood Park location is expected to enhance creative collaboration and will feature prominently over the next seven months as ESPN prepares to broadcast Super Bowl LXI from the adjacent SoFi Stadium.
^{Yahoo Sports}

MLBPA Makes Transaction Proposals to Benefit All Players
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has introduced a new series of collective bargaining proposals aimed at protecting player health, strengthening the free market, and increasing transparency before the current agreement expires in December. Key roster adjustments include expanding active rosters from 26 to 28 players for the first 15 days of the regular season and reducing permissible in-season minor league options per player from five to three to combat roster churn. Additionally, the union is pushing for accelerated Rule 5 Draft eligibility for minor league prospects and granting all players full access to club-collected, non-proprietary performance data and video.
^MLBPA

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Chaz Coleman, Tennessee part ways as Vols' massive transfer bet goes bust
Tennessee edge rusher Chaz Coleman has been removed from the football roster following a complicated, months-long saga after transferring from Penn State. The highly coveted defender signed a massive offseason NIL deal valued near $2 million but missed the majority of spring practices while dealing with personal issues, homesickness, and lingering vertigo symptoms. While the university has kept Coleman on scholarship to support him, his medical disqualification and the closure of the transfer window leave his immediate football future highly uncertain.
^{Yahoo Sports}

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