NBA's 65-Game Rule Sparks Controversy Over Player Health and Awards Eligibility

The league's attempt to address load management concerns has instead exacerbated the problem, drawing criticism from media and players alike.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the complex issues surrounding the NBA's 65-game rule.The NBA's 65-game rule has fractured the league's priorities, prioritizing regular season certainty over playoff performance and player health.Today in Pittsburgh

The NBA's 65-game rule, introduced in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, has become a point of contention. The rule requires players to play at least 20 minutes in 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards, excluding rookies. However, this arbitrary quota has led to unfair consequences for several star players who have suffered injuries and missed out on deserved recognition. The NBA media and players have voiced strong opposition to the rule, highlighting its negative impact on player health and performance.

Why it matters

The 65-game rule was intended to address concerns about player load management and ensure a fair end-of-season awards process. However, it has instead exacerbated the very problem it aimed to solve, incentivizing players to risk their health in order to meet the arbitrary quota. This undermines the importance of the playoffs, where the league's stars should be at their freshest and most competitive.

The details

The root cause of this issue lies in the NBA's pursuit of a massive TV deal, which led to the inclusion of the 65-game rule in the CBA. The league's primary goal was to sell certainty to TV bidders, ensuring that players would not sit out games arbitrarily, thus protecting national telecasts from superstar absenteeism. However, this rule has created a category error by prioritizing the regular season over the playoffs, the most crucial part of the league's calendar.

  • The 65-game rule was introduced in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement.

The players

Cade Cunningham

A star player who has suffered injuries and missed out on deserved recognition due to the 65-game rule.

Anthony Edwards

Another star player impacted by the 65-game rule, facing unfair consequences for missed games due to injury.

Luka Doncic

A star player who has also been affected by the 65-game rule, raising concerns about its impact on player health and performance.

Tyrese Haliburton

A player who rushed his recovery from a hamstring injury in order to meet the 65-game requirement, illustrating the rule's incentive for players to risk their health.

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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

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The NBA media and players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the 65-game rule, and the league must reconsider this policy to ensure a fair and healthy environment for its athletes.

The takeaway

The 65-game rule undermines the importance of the playoffs, where the league's stars should be at their freshest and most competitive. The NBA's pursuit of a massive TV deal has led to a rule that prioritizes the regular season over the playoffs, a significant mistake that must be addressed to protect player health and ensure a fair end-of-season awards process.