‘So crazy’ – Breanna Stewart reacts as WNBA-banned rule allowed at FIBA World Cup
The FIBA World Cup may feature lots of WNBA players, but some of the rules are completely different. While WNBA and FIBA rules share a foundation, key differences alter game flow at the World Cup.
On her YouTube channel alongside NBA superstar Myles Turner, Breanna Stewart revealed her amazement at the FIBA rim rule during the upcoming World Cup. Stewart, who previously played in the 2019 men’s World Cup, commented on the stark contrast between FIBA and WNBA rules, particularly the one regarding rim protection. She remarked, "I always think that one is so crazy.
Like you can literally hit it off the rim. That's nuts." Under FIBA's regulations, once the ball makes contact with the rim, any player is allowed to immediately swat it away or tip it into the basket. In contrast, the WNBA enforces a rule that prohibits such actions, triggering a goaltending or basket interference violation if a player touches the ball or rim while the shot remains above a defined space.
This rule difference enables players like Angel Reese to specialize in protecting the defensive board and crashing the opposition's shooting lane, exploiting the FIBA rule to their advantage.
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