Part of the fun of all-star games is they allow for experimentation.

The NHL adopted 3-on-3 in a mini-tournament format, the NFL does flag football, MLB added automatic balls and strikes and installed a swing-off for if/when a game goes to extra innings.

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The WNBA is embracing the opportunity to go exotic, too, announcing a few modifications for Saturday’s all-star game in Indianapolis, including the addition of four-point circles, a shorter shot clock and hockey-like subs.

Here’s what to know.

4-point shot

Four circles, two at each end of the court, will be placed 28 feet from the rim (that’s six feet behind the current 3-point line to you and me). Make a shot from the 4-point area and you’ll be awarded six — no, four points!

Shorter shot clock

The shot clock will be shortened from 24 to 20 seconds. It will reset to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound.

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Live-play substitutions

Taking a page from ice hockey — arguably the greatest sport on earth — teams will be allowed to make substitutions while the ball is in play, provided certain conditions are met.

From the WNBA:

∎ Only the offensive team may make live-play substitutions, and only one player substitution is permitted per possession.

∎ One player can exit the court, and another can enter onto the court only while their team has possession of the ball in the backcourt.

∎ The players exiting and entering the court must do so in the backcourt between the 28-foot mark and the half-court line.

∎ The player entering onto the court may not touch the ball in the backcourt.

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Failure to adhere to those guidelines will result in an automatic turnover. Unclear if players will be made to jump over the bench like in hockey. (sorry)

No free-throw free throws

Players will only actually shoot free throws during the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and in overtime. For situations that necessitate free throws and happen before then, the player will be automatically credited with the maximum number of point(s) and the box score will reflect the appropriate number of free throws as attempted and made.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star game is set for Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (8:30 p.m. on ABC, Disney+ and ESPN+).

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: WNBA All-Star Game has new rules, 4-point shots, live-ball subs, no FTs