WKBL Replaces Video Review Officers With 'Review Referees' for New Season

Starting with the 2026-2027 Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL) season, referees will take over the role of video review officers.

During a rules briefing held today at the WKBL headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, the league explained that referees will now sit in the video review position and make decisions alongside the three other referees running the court for the upcoming season.

Known as the fourth official, the review referee will handle video reviews and can also step in to officiate if another referee gets injured.

With the introduction of the review referees and an increase in total games to 105 for the new season, the WKBL has expanded its officiating crew from 13 to 18 members.

In the event of a shot clock malfunction, manual stopwatches may also be used.

If a malfunction occurs, three referees will consult and conduct a video review, but if a decision is still impossible, time will be measured using a stopwatch.

Rules regarding situations where a foul call is overturned will also change.

Previously, possession was given to the team that held the ball before the overturned foul.

However, a different rule will apply starting from the new season.

For instance, if a foul is called during a shot attempt and a basket is made, but the foul is subsequently overturned, previously the basket was canceled and possession was given to the attacking team.

Under the new rule, the basket will count in this scenario, and the game will resume with possession going to the defending team.

(Photo provided by WKBL, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.