What Does Bonus Mean In Basketball?

The bonus in basketball occurs when one of the teams accumulates a certain number of team fouls, which varies depending on the league. When one team reaches that number, every additional foul results in additional free throws (one or two) for the opponent.

The limit number for team fouls:

• 5th Team Foul – FIBA (5-on-5), NCAA (women), NFHS, NBA, and WNBA
• 6th Team Foul – FIBA (3×3)
• 7th Team Foul – NCAA (men)

Additionally, in the NBA and WNBA, the penalty situation is triggered by the sixth player foul and the second team foul in the last two minutes of a quarter if the team has not met the limit by then.

Teams that didn’t meet the limit are referred to as having fouls to give, and they can use them until the end of a quarter, half, or the end of the game, also depending on the respectable league.