NBA Drops Video Announcing New 'Points of Emphasis' for Referees During 2026-27 Season

The NBA underlined the new Points of Emphasis for their referees heading into the 2026-27 season.

One such focus is offensive players using their off-arm to push off and create space from a defender. The league also wants officials to make sure screeners are being properly penalized when they do more than just get in the defender's way:

The Points of Emphasis didn't neglect guidance for defensive players. The NBA wants players off the ball to have the necessary space to move around the perimeter and into the paint. Contact on straight-line pathway plays should warrant a foul as well.

This is about enforcing rules already in the book rather than introducing new ones. Still, there's always a bit of an adjustment for players early into the season as they discover what they can and can't get away with.

Don't be surprised if there are more whistles than usual in the first few weeks as the league attempts to set a baseline.