Mark Cuban Argues NBA Should 'Embrace Tanking'

The Mavericks minority owner says tanking is necessary for teams to improve and compete for championships.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban went on a lengthy social media rant arguing that the NBA should embrace tanking, as it is the best way for teams to improve and compete for championships in the long run. Cuban believes the league has been misguided in thinking fans want to see their teams compete every night, when in reality, fans just want hope that their team can eventually become a contender.

Why it matters

Tanking has been a controversial issue in the NBA, with the league taking steps to discourage the practice. However, Cuban's comments highlight the perspective of some team owners who see tanking as a necessary strategy to build a championship-caliber roster, especially with the league's strict salary cap and luxury tax rules.

The details

Cuban argued that tanking allows teams to improve through the draft, trades, and cap space - the "one way to get closer to that is via the draft. And trades. And cap room. You have a better chance of improving via all three when you tank." He also noted that with the league's new apron and tax penalties, tanking becomes an even more attractive option for teams struggling with injuries or underperformance from max contract players.

  • On Tuesday morning, Cuban posted his lengthy rant on social media.

The players

Mark Cuban

A minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks who previously served as the team's majority owner.

Adam Silver

The current Commissioner of the NBA who has taken steps to discourage tanking.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The NBA has been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It's never been that way.”

— Mark Cuban, Mavericks Minority Owner

“Fans know their team can't win every game. They know only one team can win a ring. What fans that care about their team's record want is hope.”

— Mark Cuban, Mavericks Minority Owner

What’s next

The NBA is expected to continue discussing ways to discourage tanking, including potential changes to the draft lottery system and increased penalties for teams that deliberately lose games.

The takeaway

Mark Cuban's vocal support for tanking highlights the ongoing tension between team owners and the league office over the practice. While the NBA has taken steps to curb tanking, some owners still view it as a necessary strategy to build championship-caliber rosters, especially given the league's strict salary cap and luxury tax rules.