The NBL just rocked the basketball world by reportedly considering a rule change that would shake the sport to its core. This season, the Australian professional basketball league is reportedly considering adding a 3-point dunk.
The change has not been enforced, but it is already getting a cold reception from basketball fans.
Basketball Fans Have a Hostile Reaction to NBL’s Proposed 3-Point Dunk
Basketball has professional leagues all over the world. Each of these leagues has a distinct set of rules, but the foundation remains the same. The NBL is seeking to break away from those norms with some proposed rule changes.
According to an article by “Code Sports,” the Australian league is considering several changes, including adding a 3-point dunk. The article stated that the league was supposed to implement these changes in its pre-season, but was unable to obtain FIBA’s approval in time.
There were no specifics on how a 3-point dunk would be incorporated or handled, but people are already voicing strong disapproval.
“I don’t want to overreact, but I would literally never watch the NBL again if htey broke away from traditional basketball rules,” sports reporter Nic Negrepontis posted. “You don’t [expletive] with the core principles of basketball. Ever.”
I don’t want to overreact, but I would literally never watch the NBL again if they broke away from traditional basketball rules.
You don’t fuck with the core principles of basketball. Ever. https://t.co/YOh9PqNpvo
— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) August 30, 2026
“Change the rules like this?? You have got to be kidding me, this has to be a joke. Please don’t,” South East Melbourne Phoenix’s managing owner, Romie Chaudhari, tweeted.
“The NBL does not understand or pay any attention to basketball if they think the dunk, the most valuable shot in basketball, is not valuable enough lol,” one person said.
Many others were shocked or in disbelief at the absurdity of this proposed major rule change.
“Absolutely bananas. The league has double digit growth organically. There’s no need for contrived [expletive] like 3 point dunks,” another commented.
“3 Point Dunk? [expletive] Off! Leave the game alone!” NBL 1 West Commentator Trystan Spooner posted.
3 Point Dunk? Piss Off! 😡
Leave the game alone! #NBL27 https://t.co/7ukCvL06Wt
— Trystan Spooner (@TrystanSpooner) August 30, 2026
“A 3-point dunk?! Come on…,” Pro Football Network’s Alex Kennedy posted.
“I want to know who this target market is that would only turn up to games if we had a 3 point dunk and a 4 point shot? Talk about degrading a league which is continually seeking legitimacy. Seeks contra to the goals previously strived for,” Mookie Schiralli said.
I want to know who this target market is that would only turn up to games if we had a 3 point dunk and a 4 point shot? Talk about degrading a league which is continually seeking legitimacy. Seeks contra to the goals previously strived for. https://t.co/O8b1mGefF8
— Mookie 🏀 NBA | NBL | FIBA (@ASternWarning) August 30, 2026
Since adding the 3-point dunk requires FIBA approval, there is a good chance that it will not be implemented in the professional league.
However, it is the same type of gimmick that could be added to exhibitions. Events such as All-Star games and celebrity matchups typically get away with adding absurd rule changes without facing the same level of backlash.
Interestingly, the NBL would not be the first league to adopt such a scoring system if it were approved.
According to reports, in North Korea, dunking the ball is worth 3 points. Beyond that, shots from behind the arc count as 4-pointers if it does not touch the rim on the way down. Additionally, baskets made in the final three seconds of a contest count for 8 points.
There is a major difference between North Korea and the NBL, though. The NBL players compete internationally and are a regular fixture at FIBA World Cup tournaments. Something that North Korea does not participate in.
Should the NBL implement this rule change, one can imagine that it would receive plenty of backlash from basketball purists. After all, simply proposing it has already caused plenty of outrage.
