STEVENS POINT, WI – Wisconsin high school basketball could be headed toward a major change after the WIAA Board of Control approved measures that move the state closer to adopting a shot clock.
The Board recently approved a recommendation that will allow schools to use a shot clock in varsity boys and girls non-conference games and tournaments beginning with the 2026-27 season, provided both schools agree to use it.
According to Todd Clark of the WIAA, the discussion surrounding a shot clock has been ongoing for several years and originated with the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association.
“The discussion for the shot clock has been part of the discussions with the membership for a number of years,” Clark said. “The Board of Control passed a recommendation by the basketball coaches to move forward with a limited use of the shot clock next year.”
The approval gives schools the opportunity to experiment with the rule in non-conference settings before a possible statewide implementation.
In a separate vote, the Board also approved a proposal that would establish a 35-second shot clock for all varsity boys and girls basketball games beginning with the 2028-29 season. That proposal would include conference games, non-conference games, and the WIAA state tournament series.
However, the measure is not yet final.
Clark explained that because a shot clock would require schools to purchase equipment and is not currently mandated by the National Federation of State High School Associations, the proposal must receive approval from the full WIAA membership.
“The board also voted to continue the discussions on implementing the shot clock for all games, including the tournament series in 2028-29,” Clark said. “But that vote will have to go to the membership next April at the annual meeting.”
The issue has been debated multiple times in recent years but failed to advance through the WIAA committee process. Clark said this year’s proposal followed the traditional path through the organization’s advisory structure, beginning with coaches before moving through WIAA committees and ultimately reaching the Board of Control.
“It does start at a grassroots level on the basketball coaches advisory committee and then moves up the WIAA chain of committees,” Clark said.
If approved by the membership at the 2027 annual meeting, Wisconsin would join a growing list of states utilizing a shot clock in high school basketball. Neighboring Iowa and Minnesota already require shot clocks, while Illinois is set to begin using one during the upcoming season.
For now, Wisconsin schools will have the option to test the shot clock in select non-conference games next winter as the conversation continues statewide.
For the vote article click here.
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