Euroleague Basketball has unveiled a sweeping set of rule changes for the 2026-27 season, headlined by the replacement of the long-standing unsportsmanlike foul with two distinct categories: disruptive foul and flagrant foul. The overhaul, which also reworks technical foul classifications and act-of-shooting guidelines, will take effect from the inaugural EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup 2026 and apply across both the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup campaigns.
The most significant shift is the end of the catch-all unsportsmanlike foul. Under the new framework, a disruptive foul covers contact that interrupts the flow of play and puts an opponent at a disadvantage — such as fouling to stop a fastbreak or to run down the clock late in a quarter — without rising to the level of dangerous play. A flagrant foul is reserved for contact that is not a legitimate basketball play, or that is reckless, violent, or dangerous. Both carry the same penalties as the old unsportsmanlike foul, but only a flagrant foul counts toward game disqualification.
The technical foul system has also been restructured into two tiers. Category 1 technicals count toward disqualification and include disrespectful communication, taunting, obstructing a player's vision, and faking a foul. Category 2 technicals — which do not count toward disqualification — cover delay of game, hanging on the rim after a dunk, and defensive goaltending on the final free throw. A player is disqualified after two Category 1 technicals, two flagrant fouls, or one of each. A head coach faces disqualification after two personal Category 1 technicals or three tied to bench conduct in a single game.
