Read the Game Differently.

The NBA plans to implement new anti-tanking rules for the 2026-27 season, aiming to reduce the incentive for teams to lose intentionally in order to improve draft position, sources told ESPN. Commissioner Adam Silver informed all 30 general managers that the league believes tanking has become a significant issue and is moving from discussion to action.

 

Proposed changes include adjusting draft pick protections, freezing lottery odds at certain points in the season, and potentially limiting teams from receiving top lottery positions in consecutive years.

 

These measures come after increasing scrutiny from owners and league stakeholders who want to protect competitive integrity and discourage losing on purpose.