Mark Cuban Suggests Shortening NBA Games to 40 Minutes

The former Mavericks owner believes shorter games will boost TV ratings and increase parity in the league.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an NBA game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the conceptual idea of increased parity and unpredictability in a shorter game format.A cubist interpretation of an NBA game captures the intensity and unpredictability that shorter contests could bring to the league.Dallas Today

Mark Cuban, the former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has proposed shortening NBA games from 48 minutes to 40 minutes as a way to boost television and streaming ratings. Cuban argues that shorter games, similar to the format used in college basketball, the WNBA, and international play, would keep fans more engaged without affecting arena contracts. He believes this change would also increase parity in the league by leading to more upsets throughout the season.

Why it matters

As one of the most progressive and forward-thinking minds in sports, Mark Cuban's suggestions carry significant weight. If implemented, his proposal to shorten NBA games could have a major impact on the league's television ratings, fan engagement, and competitive balance.

The details

Cuban's main point is that shorter games would increase television and streaming ratings, as viewers enjoy games more when they require less of a time commitment. He argues that reducing NBA games to 40 minutes would be equivalent to cutting more than 13 games from the season without affecting arena contracts. Cuban also believes that shorter games will increase intensity and lead to more upsets, thereby improving parity in the league.

  • On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Cuban quote-retweeted a suggestion from The Ringer's Bill Simmons about shortening the NBA season and games.

The players

Mark Cuban

The former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the most progressive and forward-thinking minds in sports.

Bill Simmons

A sports media personality and the founder of The Ringer, who suggested shortening the NBA season and games.

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What they’re saying

“Make the games 40 minutes. 8 x 82 / 48 = 13.667. That's the equivalent number of games you would reduce the schedule by. Without breaking arena leases. Works for college. Works for international. Works for the WNBA. AND. If you looking at tv and streaming ratings, the less the actual playing time for a televised game, the bigger the ratings. Ie, the less time fans have to focus on a game, the more they enjoy watching it on tv.”

— Mark Cuban, Former NBA team owner

“The more I discuss this with @claudeai, the more I believe it increases parity. Shorter games = more upsets.”

— Mark Cuban, Former NBA team owner

What’s next

As a former NBA owner, Cuban's proposal is unlikely to be implemented immediately, as the league would need to renegotiate arena leases and media contracts. However, his suggestions will likely continue to be discussed and debated within the basketball community.

The takeaway

Mark Cuban's proposal to shorten NBA games to 40 minutes highlights his innovative thinking and desire to improve the league's product. While the changes may face logistical challenges, the potential benefits of increased ratings, fan engagement, and parity make it a compelling idea worth further exploration.