The NBA has rolled out several new policies over the years, and one of the most impactful in recent seasons is the coach’s challenge. It started as a trial run in 2019 and was officially adopted beginning with the 2020–21 season.
So, why were challenges introduced—and how many challenges are allowed per team in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Everything to Know About NBA Challenge Rules
Whenever a controversial call occurs on the court, you’ll often see coaches and players twirling their finger in the air. That motion signals a request for a coach’s challenge.
The procedure gives head coaches the power to request a replay review on select calls made during the game. As per Rule No. 14 of the NBA rulebook, there are three situations where a challenge can be used:
- A called personal foul charged to the challenging team.
- A called out-of-bounds violation where the challeng ing team was not awarded possession.
- A called goaltending or basket interference violation—except in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, where only the referees can initiate a review.
“That just doesn’t seem fair to me.”
The Fellas discuss the NBA’s rules around using a Challenge. pic.twitter.com/jE3q5yZBZi
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 30, 2024
There are also specific situations where a challenge is not allowed to trigger an instant replay:
- A personal foul called on the opposing team.
- Continuation plays—e.g., determining if a defensive foul occurred before the offensive player began their shooting motion.
- Technical or flagrant fouls.
- Violations such as traveling, carrying, double dribble, flopping, or three-second violations.
When a challenge is used, the on-court crew chief makes the final decision for fouls, while the replay center referee handles reviews for all other eligible calls. In order for a call to be overturned, there must be “clear and conclusive visual evidence,” according to the league’s rulebook.
How Many Challenges Can Be Made in a Game?
Each team begins the game with one available challenge. However, under current NBA rules, a team can be awarded a second challenge—but only if the first one is successful.
In other words, a coach can challenge twice in a game, but only if the first review results in the call being overturned.
To initiate a challenge, a coach must call a timeout and signal the challenge motion to the officials. If the challenge is successful, the team keeps its timeout. If it’s unsuccessful, the team loses that timeout.
So, in 2025, the rule remains: one challenge per team per game, with a second available if the first is successful.
