League publishes its 2026–27 officiating guidance
The NBA published its 2026–27 Areas of Focus on September 30, 2026, highlighting flopping, defensive closeouts around a jump shooter’s landing space and game administration. The material was released on the league’s official officiating website as teams began preparing for the season.
Monty McCutchen, the NBA’s senior vice president and head of referee development and training, narrates the two-part presentation. The first video addresses flopping and landing space, while the second deals with game administration.
The release follows the league’s September 29 Points of Emphasis package. That separate presentation covers offensive players’ off-arm push-offs, freedom of movement involving screens, perimeter and post contact, and straight-line pathway plays. Together, the two announcements identify the situations receiving particular attention in the league’s preseason guidance.
For viewers, the distinction between these topics is useful. The landing-space material concerns how defenders close out on jump shots, while the movement guidance addresses contact during actions such as screens and drives. The league provides video examples to illustrate those situations.
The announcements are presented as officiating guidance. They should not be treated as confirmation that every listed topic represents a newly introduced rule. Fans seeking the precise application of each point can consult the NBA’s accompanying examples as preseason play begins.