WNBA Increases Foul Calls After Taskforce Review of Officiating

The WNBA has recorded an increase in foul calls this season following an offseason taskforce that reviewed officiating standards. Teams are averaging about 22 fouls per game compared with 17.5 last season. The change stems from concerns over inconsistent calls and physical play during the 2025 season.

A taskforce that included coaches worked with the league to apply existing rules more uniformly, particularly those governing freedom of movement.

Sky forward Rickea Jackson suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Minnesota Lynx. The Sky announced Tuesday that Jackson will miss the rest of the 2026 season. Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement that the team is confident Jackson will make a full recovery. Jackson had been playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season.

Players have expressed mixed reactions to the stricter enforcement. Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud said referees failed to protect players after Jackson’s injury. Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen said fouls are part of the game and that referees are trying to minimize them.

Golden State Valkyries forward Monique Billings described the change as a challenge that requires more discipline. Portland Fire head coach Alex Sarama said communication with the league has improved. He has emailed the WNBA’s head of referee performance and development for clarification on calls.

She noted that reaching consistent standards will take time.