Time management

The WNBA will have a leaguewide hiatus from July 14 through Aug. 15 for the London Olympic Games. Veteran teams like Seattle will look forward to the stretch to rest weary bodies, with just two Olympians on the roster. Defending champion Minnesota has three players on the USA squad. Being in playoff position before the break will be key in building momentum for the second half of the season.

Charge it

The WNBA adopted the restricted area currently used in NBA and NCAA play. It's basically a charge circle marked on the court beneath the hoop. Officials will not call a charge if a defender is anywhere within the circle. Instead, contact is ruled an automatic blocking foul on the defender.

Pay up

The WNBA used to be about unlimited access, but as it enters its 16th season, fans will notice more reaching into their pockets. One change is LiveAcess, which costs $4.99 to view nearly all games via the Internet. Officials said kinks from the past have been worked out.

Get the point

With plenty of star players gone due to the Olympics or returning from injury, point guard play will be critical in getting teams organized on the court and developing chemistry fast. But many teams, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tulsa and Chicago, have questions at the position. Can guards get it together to lead those teams?

Jayda Evans