The WNBA follows basketball rules similar to the NBA, with some key differences in game length, three-point line distance, and ball size. The league is governed by official rulebooks that cover player conduct, game play, fouls, and scoring.
Basic Game Setup
A WNBA game consists of four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes, for a total game time of 40 minutes. Two teams of five players each compete to score the most points. The team with the ball has 24 seconds to attempt a shot that hits the rim. Games are played on a standard basketball court that is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide.
Scoring and Field Goals
Players can score points in three ways: free throws are worth 1 point, regular field goals from inside the three-point line are worth 2 points, and three-pointers from beyond the three-point line are worth 3 points. In the WNBA, the three-point line is 22 feet away from the basket at the top of the arc, which is closer than the NBA line. This means three-point shots are slightly easier to make in the WNBA.
Fouls and Penalties
Players can commit personal fouls by making illegal contact with opponents. After a player commits 6 personal fouls in a game, they are fouled out and must leave the game. The opposing team also receives free throw attempts and/or possession depending on when and how the foul occurred. Technical fouls can be called for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with officials or excessive celebration.
Timeouts and Stoppages
Each team receives a limited number of timeouts per game that they can use to stop the clock and discuss strategy. Timeouts last one minute. The game clock also stops when fouls are committed, the ball goes out of bounds, or officials need to review a play. There is also a halftime break between the second and third quarters where teams rest and regroup.
Equipment Differences
The WNBA uses a basketball with a circumference of 28.5 inches, which is smaller than the NBA basketball. This smaller ball size was adopted to accommodate the average hand size of female players. All other equipment, including the basket height (10 feet), court dimensions, and rim specifications, are the same as in men's professional basketball.
Winning and Overtime
The team with the most points at the end of four quarters wins the game. If the score is tied after four quarters, the game goes to overtime. Overtime periods last 5 minutes, and play continues until one team has more points than the other at the end of an overtime period. 
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