**NEW YORK** — The NBA announced Monday that all games will now feature an official two-minute warning, giving fans advance notice that the basketball portion of the evening is about to conclude and the referees will be taking over.
The new system, inspired by the NFL, will activate whenever the fourth-quarter clock reaches 2:00, accompanied by a flashing message on arena scoreboards: **PLEASE STAND BY. BASKETBALL IS NOW UNDER REVIEW.**
According to the league, the warning is designed to help fans mentally prepare for the final two minutes, which traditionally take approximately 27 minutes to complete.
During this period, officials will assume primary control of the entertainment, with players permitted to occasionally participate between lengthy discussions at the scorer's table.
The league has also introduced several improvements, including mandatory slow-motion replays from 14 camera angles, explanations of rules nobody remembers existing, and a dedicated broadcast window for Scott Foster to approach a monitor looking deeply concerned.
Coaches will receive one additional challenge specifically to challenge the explanation of their previous challenge.
Fans watching at home will be encouraged to prepare dinner, walk their dogs, or complete minor home renovations while officials determine whether a defender's left pinky made illegal contact with an offensive player's emotional well-being.
The NBA insists the initiative will improve transparency without significantly affecting game length.
Early projections suggest a close game could now finish within 45 minutes of its scheduled conclusion.
The league is also considering a separate 30-second warning to notify viewers when the final 30 seconds are about to take another 15 minutes.
The two-minute warning itself is currently under review.
