NBA Unveils New Rules to Curb Tanking in 2026-27

League aims to address growing issue of teams intentionally losing to improve draft position

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The NBA is facing a growing crisis of competitive integrity, with teams increasingly incentivized to lose games in pursuit of higher draft picks. In response, the league is considering seven potential rule changes to disincentivize tanking, including adjustments to draft pick protection, freezing lottery odds, and restricting consecutive bottom-three finishes. These proposals aim to restore competitive balance and emphasize the importance of building sustainable success.

Why it matters

Tanking behavior is damaging the NBA's reputation and alienating fans. The league needs to address this issue to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that every contest is meaningful. These rule changes could fundamentally alter the landscape of team building and force franchises to prioritize competitive play over lottery positioning.

The details

The NBA recently issued significant fines to the Utah Jazz ($500,000) and Indiana Pacers ($100,000) for violating league rules related to player participation, signaling a clear message that the league is taking tanking seriously. The seven proposals under consideration include: 1) Limiting draft pick protection, 2) Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline, 3) Preventing teams from picking in the top four in consecutive years, 4) Disallowing conference finalists from picking in the top four, 5) Basing lottery odds on a two-year rolling record, 6) Including all play-in teams in the lottery, and 7) Reducing the disparity in lottery odds between the top and bottom teams.

  • The NBA is expected to implement the new anti-tanking rules starting in the 2026-27 season.
  • The league recently fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for violating rules related to player participation.

The players

Adam Silver

The Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who is leading the effort to address the tanking issue.

Mat Ishbia

The owner of the Phoenix Suns, who has called for "massive changes" to combat the league's tanking problem.

Mike Krzyzewski

The legendary college basketball coach who is now advising the NBA on strategies to curb tanking.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The league is expected to finalize the details of the new anti-tanking rules in the coming months, with the changes set to take effect in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The NBA's efforts to address the tanking problem represent a critical step in restoring the league's competitive integrity and ensuring that every game matters. While the proposed rule changes may not completely eliminate the issue, they signal the league's commitment to prioritizing sustainable success over short-term lottery positioning.