The Australian National Basketball League (NBL) is proposing significant changes to traditional basketball scoring rules, aiming to enhance the game's excitement and attract more fans. Key elements of the proposal include:

• Three points for a dunk instead of the standard two.
• Four points for a successful mid-court shot, often referred to as the "logo three."

This request has been submitted to Basketball Australia, which has forwarded it to the international governing body, FIBA. Although the NBL intended to test these changes during the upcoming NBL Blitz tournament in Bendigo, the timeline proved too tight for approval.

The league believes that these rule adjustments could lead to a significant data collection exercise, providing insights into fan preferences and gameplay dynamics. Dunks are already a crucial aspect of basketball, with their success rate making them a favorite among coaches. Currently, dunks account for about 6% of shots attempted in the NBA, despite the rise of three-point shooting.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed concerns about the increasing dominance of three-pointers, which now make up around 40% of shots in the league. He cautioned against making hasty changes, such as moving the three-point line back, which could clutter the area under the basket.

The proposed scoring changes have sparked mixed reactions within the basketball community. Critics, like Romie Chaudhari, owner of the South East Melbourne Phoenix, have condemned the initiative. Conversely, Mark Arena, owner of the Perth Wildcats, praised the NBL's willingness to innovate, suggesting that trying new ideas is essential for progress.

Variations in basketball rules are not new worldwide, with different leagues implementing their own unique regulations. As the 2026-27 NBL season approaches next month, the future of these proposed changes remains uncertain.