What Is a Personal Foul
A personal foul in the WNBA is when a player makes illegal physical contact with an opponent. This includes pushing, holding, charging, blocking improperly, or striking another player. Personal fouls are called during normal play when a player commits contact that gives them an unfair advantage or restricts an opponent's movement. A player who accumulates 6 personal fouls in a single game is ejected and cannot play for the rest of that game.
Flagrant Foul Type 1
A Flagrant Foul Type 1 is excessive contact that is not a normal part of basketball play. This includes hard fouls that are clearly more forceful than necessary, such as hitting a player's arm while shooting when a normal defensive play would suffice. When a Type 1 flagrant foul is called, the fouled player shoots 2 free throws and their team gets the ball back. The player who committed the foul also receives a personal foul that counts toward the 6-foul ejection limit.
Flagrant Foul Type 2
A Flagrant Foul Type 2 is violent or extremely unnecessary contact that the WNBA considers a serious violation of player safety rules. Examples include striking a player with the elbow, throwing an elbow at an opponent, or using excessive force that could cause injury. When a Type 2 flagrant foul is called, the player is immediately ejected from the game. The fouled player also shoots 2 free throws and their team receives possession of the ball.
Penalties and Consequences
Beyond what happens during a game, the WNBA can impose additional penalties for flagrant fouls. Players who commit multiple flagrant fouls across different games may face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Repeated violations can result in suspensions, meaning a player is banned from playing in upcoming games. The WNBA's league office reviews flagrant fouls after games and can upgrade or downgrade the foul classification based on video review.
Review and Appeal Process
WNBA officials can use video review to examine flagrant fouls and determine the correct classification. Coaches can challenge certain calls, though flagrant fouls are typically not challengeable during the game. However, the league office can review flagrant fouls after a game is completed and may issue additional fines or suspensions based on that review. Players and teams can appeal penalties through the league's disciplinary process.
Intent and Safety Focus
The WNBA's rules on excessive contact prioritize player safety. Unlike some older basketball rules, the WNBA does not require that flagrant contact be intentional to be penalized. Even if contact appears accidental but is excessive or violent, it can still be called a flagrant foul. This approach aims to prevent injuries and maintain a competitive but safe playing environment. 
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