NBA Commissioner Calls Out 'Tanking' as Bigger Problem Than Ever

Silver considers severe punishments for teams deliberately losing to improve draft position.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed growing concerns about the practice of 'tanking', where teams deliberately lose games in order to improve their odds of getting a high draft pick. Silver says the problem has become worse than ever this season, with teams making questionable lineup decisions that appear aimed at losing. He is considering drastic measures to deter this behavior, including fines, draft pick penalties, and even abolishing the draft system altogether.

Why it matters

Tanking undermines the integrity of the league and creates an uneven playing field, as teams that are actively trying to lose games are rewarded with better draft positions. This can lead to a less competitive product on the court and frustration among fans. Silver sees it as a threat to the long-term health of the NBA.

The details

Silver acknowledged the pressure on teams to avoid being stuck in the middle of the league, leading them to intentionally tank if they don't believe they can compete for a championship. With a highly touted 2026 draft class on the horizon, the incentive to lose has only increased. The league has already fined the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for questionable lineup decisions, but Silver says those fines are not enough of a deterrent for billion-dollar franchises. He is considering more severe punishments, including taking away draft picks from repeat offenders or even moving them to the bottom of the draft order.

  • The NBA All-Star weekend took place in February 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is expected to feature several top-tier prospects.

The players

Adam Silver

The commissioner of the National Basketball Association, who has expressed growing concerns about the practice of 'tanking' in the league.

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What they’re saying

“If teams are manipulating their performance in order to get higher draft picks even in a lottery, then the question becomes ... are they really the worst-performing teams?”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (ESPN)

What’s next

Silver said the league is considering all possible remedies to change the tanking behavior, including taking away draft picks from repeat offenders.

The takeaway

The NBA's tanking problem has become a major issue that threatens the integrity of the league. Commissioner Adam Silver is determined to find a solution, even if it means implementing severe punishments for teams that deliberately lose games to improve their draft position.