The NBA is taking a major step toward fixing one of its biggest issues—tanking, where teams intentionally lose games to secure better draft picks. Ahead of a crucial Board of Governors meeting, the league has introduced three new proposals aimed at reshaping the draft lottery system and restoring competitive integrity.
Why the NBA Wants Change
Tanking has become a growing concern, especially with strong upcoming draft classes. Commissioner Adam Silver has openly stated that the league wants to “put a full stop” to tanking, as it affects the quality and fairness of competition.
The current system rewards weaker teams with higher chances at top picks, but it can also encourage deliberate losing.
Proposal 1: 18-Team Expanded Lottery
The first proposal would expand the lottery from 14 teams to 18 teams, including:
- Non-playoff teams
- Play-in tournament teams
This means even teams close to playoff qualification would have lottery chances, reducing the incentive to lose games intentionally.
Proposal 2: 22-Team Lottery with Multi-Year Performance
The second option goes even further by including 22 teams, adding:
- First-round playoff losers
This system would also:
- Use two-year win records instead of one season
- Introduce a minimum win threshold
The idea is to prevent teams from tanking for just one season and instead reward consistent performance over time.
Proposal 3: “5-by-5” Lottery System
The third concept focuses on changing lottery odds:
- The five worst teams get equal chances for the top pick
- A two-stage lottery decides the top 5 and remaining picks
- Bottom teams would have limits on how far they can fall
This system reduces the benefit of finishing with the absolute worst record.
Key Idea: Include Better Teams in Lottery
A major shift across all proposals is the inclusion of playoff or near-playoff teams in the lottery. This is designed to remove the clear advantage of losing games late in the season.
What Happens Next?
- These proposals are still in discussion
- Adjustments are expected before final approval
- A formal vote is scheduled for May 2026
If approved, the changes could be implemented as early as the next NBA season.
Conclusion
The NBA’s proposed anti-tanking reforms represent a bold attempt to fix a long-standing issue. By expanding the lottery, adjusting odds, and considering multi-year performance, the league aims to reward competitiveness instead of losing.
However, these changes could also bring new challenges and debates, as teams and analysts weigh the long-term impact on roster building and league balance.
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