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Story highlights
- Law change permits headgear in basketball
- Rules had barred wearing of headscarves
- Exemptions have been in place since 2014
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) had previously banned headgear on safety grounds, but began a review of its policy, and granted exemptions, from September 2014.
That rule had posed major problems to basketball players around the world, including Muslim women in hijab, Orthodox Jews who wear kippahs and Sikhs in turbans.
"I am thrilled about FIBA's decision, which will allow athletes across the world to pursue their dreams without compromising their faith."
Headgear has often been a controversial topic.
Qatar's women's basketball team withdrew from the 2014 Asian Games after being forbidden from wearing hijabs.
Its team were asked to remove their Islamic headscarves and refused, thereby forfeiting its match with Mongolia. FIBA insisted its laws held no religious connotation in the wake of the protest.
This was despite several other sports at the Games allowing competitors to wear hijabs.