NBA Warns Teams Against Intentional Tanking

Michigan Tech Extends Winning Streak to 22 Games

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The NBA has issued a warning to teams about intentional tanking, as the league has seen an increase in teams deliberately losing games to improve their draft position. Meanwhile, the Michigan Tech Huskies men's basketball team extended their winning streak to 22 games with a dominant victory over the UCLA Bruins.

Why it matters

Tanking has long been a controversial practice in the NBA, as it undermines the integrity of the game and can negatively impact fan engagement. The league is taking a stronger stance to discourage this behavior. Michigan Tech's impressive season also highlights the strength of college basketball programs outside the major conferences.

The details

The NBA has become increasingly concerned about the rise in tanking, with league officials stating that they have seen "behavior that is worse this year than we've seen in recent memory." The league has warned teams that they will face strict penalties, including fines and the loss of draft picks, if they are found to be intentionally losing games. Meanwhile, the Michigan Tech Huskies continued their dominant season with an 86-56 victory over the UCLA Bruins. The Huskies, who play in the Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, have now won 22 consecutive games and are firmly in contention for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

  • The NBA issued its warning about tanking on February 15, 2026.
  • Michigan Tech defeated UCLA on February 15, 2026.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Tech Huskies men's basketball team.

NBA

The National Basketball Association, the professional basketball league in the United States and Canada.

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What they’re saying

“Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than we've seen in recent memory? Yes, is my view,”

— NBA (wn.com)

The takeaway

The NBA's crackdown on tanking highlights the league's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game, while Michigan Tech's success demonstrates the strength of college basketball programs outside the major conferences.